GIFT   OF 

/v.  FT.  Sir  iff  in     /jW>W/3  /i 


L.  A.  GRIFFIN  BROWNLEE 


The  Ghost 

of 

Sir  Francis  Whynn, 
Baronet 


By 
L.  A.  GRIFFIN  BROWNLEE 


THE  AUSTIN   PUBLISHING  CO., 

Los  Angeles,  California 

1922 


•  •*•      •     •     •*' 

w 


Copyrighted,  1922 

By 
L.  A.  GRIFFIN  BROWNLEE 


x. 


Foreword 


I  am  Dot  about  to  offer  an  apology  for  the  Ghost,  —  No! 
Almost  everyone  now-a-days  has  a  belief  in  the  super-normal. 
The  clearest  thinkers  and  most  level-headed  reasoners  I  have 
known  have  had  a  profound  conviction  that  there  is  really  noth- 
ing supernatural  —  except,  perhaps,  the  stories  usually  told  about 
the  ghost,  after  a  manifestation. 

In  this  our  day  the  best  known  and  most  revered  scientists 
have  asserted  that  there  is  truth  in  psychic  phenomena; 
and  assure  us  that  materializations  and  visitations  of  a  phan- 
tom-like order,  are  in  reality  the  outcome  of  efforts  on  the  part 
of  discarnate  beings;  men  and  women  who  have  passed  the 
change  of  death,  and  who,  —  finding  themselves  very  much  alive 
after  the  experience,  —  are  anxious  to  reveal  themselves  and 
tell  the  news  of  their  triumph  and  continued  existence  —  espe- 
cially to  their  sorrowing  loved  ones. 

Many  scientists  assure  us  that  Death  is  Re-birth.  Man 
possesses  a  dual  nature,  —  soul  and  body,  —  and  that  only  the 
fleshly  parts  disintegrate;  the  Ego,  or  selfhood,  remains  intact. 

If  one  feels  a  strong  inclination  to  investigate  psychic  mat- 
ters, it  is  often  just  as  well  to  commence  the  investigation  by 
entering  a  sick  chamber  and  there  carefully  observe  the  mar- 
velous struggle  for  physical  existence  often  displayed  by  the 
sick.  Note  carefully  the  potency  of  the  Soul.  The  Ego,  or  un- 
seen operator,  is  striving  it  would  seem,  to  free  Itself  from  an 
impeding,  cumbersome  clog. 

Note  how  tenderly  the  watchers  bend  o'er  the  sick  one  to 
catch  the  sense  of  the  faint  sounds  that  emerge,  —  more  or  less 
laboriously,  through  the  pallid  lips.  How  eager  are  they  to 
attend  to  the  requirements  and  catch  a  word,  a  smile  or  a  glance 
of  recognition.  Then  note  the  sighing  and  weeping  when  at 
last  the  vital  spark  dies  out  of  the  body  and  is  replaced  by  the 
cold,  petrifying  stillness  of  death. 

The  glorious  animating  force  —  that  subtle  Something  —  has 
entirely  disappeared.  Then  comes  the  realization  to  the  invest- 
igator that  it  was  of  a  surety  an  invisible  yet  potent  force  that 
heretofore  quickened  'W  IWess  form. 


'^9W  I 


It  was  through  the  agency  of  Spiritual  activity  the  physical 
body  was  enabled  to  use  its  organs,  function,  live,  move  and 
have  its  being. 

Then  it  is  possible  to  realize  that  the  body  of  flesh  was 
merely  an  instrument, — a  medium  for  the  more  or  less  intelli- 
gent Ego  to  make  use  of. 

Death  in  this  is  recognized  as  a  means  to  an  end — a  libera- 
tion. The  fact  must  not  be  overlooked  that  all  Mother  Nature's 
special  and  important  labours  are  quite  invisible  to  the  physical 
eye. 

There  must  of  necessity  be  an  unseen  realm. 

The  marvellous  force  that  is  called  "Life"  is  ever  in  opera- 
tion throughout  the  whole  Universe,  working  through  and  with 
atoms,  molecules,  germs,  forming  them  into  various  shapes 
and  putting  them  to  various  uses.  Throughout  the  realms  of 
Nature  potent  forces  are  attracting  these  and  other  infinitesimal 
atoms,  or  molecules,  and  forming  cells  of  living  germs  from 
apparently  invisible  matter,  and  by  marvellous  processes — the 
processes  of  evolution  and  involution,  shape  and  quicken  into 
being  multitudes  of  creatures. 

In  the  past  a  certain  school  of  materialistic  scientists  taught 
that  mankind  was  probably  the  outcome  of  a  fortuitous  com- 
bination of  atoms  of  matter,  animated,  of  course,  by  force.  And 
that  when  these  said  atoms  disintegrated  and  the  body  fell  to 
decay,  then  man's  career  as  a  thinking  entity  was  over.  Briefly 
put:  "Man  cannot  think  without  his  brain.  Individuality  ends 
at  death,"  was  their  declaration. 

Now,  a  number  of  Spiritual  Scientists  thought  otherwise  and 
asserted  that  Individuality  does  not  end  with  death:  that  "Mem- 
ory is  Immortal";  that  it  belongs  to  the  Ego, — the  I  Am  or 
Unseen  Being,  and  does  not  depend  upon  the  functioning  of 
a  human  brain.  A  physical  brain  is  essential  only  to  the  Ego 
whilst  dwelling  in  the  physical  body.  That  Memory  itself  is 
indestructible.  An  integral  part  of  the  spiritual  nature,  and  a 
very  useful  part,  yet  not  visible  to  mortal  gaze. 

It  is  now  a  well-recognized  fact  that  Dame  Nature  neither 
wastes  nor  destroys  one  atom  of  matter;  nor  perverts,  or  sus- 
pends force  in  any  way.  The  savants,  the  great  analytical 
chemists,  the  Master  Minds, — assure  us  after  untiring  research 
into  the  realms  of  Nature's  finer  workings  that  there  are  num- 
berless delicate  yet  intensely  active  forces  ever  in  operation 
governed  by  immutable  laws.  A  few  of  the  better  known  are: 


Volatile  Magnetism,  or  Life  Force;  Mind  Force— which  gener- 
ates thought;  Will  Power;  Action;  Magnetic  Force,  or  the  Lawa 
of  Attraction  and  Repulsion;  Radium;  Hertzen-waves,  or  Invis- 
ible Light;  Electricity;  Ether;  Electrons,  etc.,  Unseen  Activity. 

As  before  stated,  the  wondrous  Life  Force  is  responsible 
for  the  myriads  of  creatures  upon  this  interesting  globe  of  ours; 
yet  this  marvellous  force  is  so  minute  in  its  pristine  state  that 
it  requires  the  assistance  of  a  powerful  microscope  to  make 
the  molecules,  which  is  its  medium  of  conveyance,  apparent 
to  the  student's  gaze.  This  potent  force  with  which  man, — in 
common  with  all  other  living  entities, — is  endowed,  assists  him 
to  develop  or  unfold  his  hidden  powers  from  his  inception  to 
his  demise.  From  babyhood  to  old  age  the  activity  of  this  force 
used  intelligently  (or  otherwise)  helps  man  to  keep  his  fleshly 
body  in  some  sort  of  condition.  It  assists  him  to  rebuild  or 
strengthen  his  bony  structure;  or  mould  the  grey  matter  of 
the  brain;  slowly,  yet  surely,  induces  unfoldment  of  his  organs 
and  functions,  and  latent  talents.  Also  repairs,  alters  and  re- 
furnishes the  muscles  and  sinews  of  his  body — the  network  of 
cells,  the  delicate  tissues,  the  veins,  the  blood,  the  hair,  the 
nails  and  all  that  goes  to  make  the  perfect  whole;  the  unseen 
development  of  which  (according  to  scientific  deductions),  takes 
place  every  seven  years,  more  or  less. 

If  this  marvellous  reconstruction  can  from  physical  evolu- 
tion be  developed  what  is  to  hinder  a  like  form  of  involution  from 
acting  conjointly,  enabling  man  to  form  physically  within  him- 
self a  finer,  more  perfect  body  for  his  use  after  dissolution  in 
an  ethereal  sphere  of  life? 

Again,  Man  during  his  physical  tenure  must,  of  necessity, 
have  learned  many  valuable  lessons  preparatory  to  a  higher, 
nobler  state  of  existence.  If  he  be  a  wise  individual  he  will 
have  learned  self-control;  patience;  in  other  words — how  to 
subjugate  his  fleshly  passions,  appetites  and  desires.  Who 
knows  better  than  man  himself — in  spite  of  a  broken,  or  even 
evil  career — how  often  glimpses  have  been  caught  of  his  soul's 
mnate  purity?  Flashes  of  inspiration, — mirrors  of  intuition,— 
reflections  of  spirituality, — the  inward  promptings  of  goodness,— 
or  the  premonitions  of  punishment  for  disobedience  to  his  bet: 
ter  self?  These  powers  are  all  spiritual  powers  and  graces  of 
man's  immortal  soul. 

When  at  last  man  stands  divested  by  Death  of  his  physical 
garment,  from  which  he  merges  like  a  butterfly  from  the  shat- 


tered  shackles  of  its  crystalis,  he  quickly  discovers  that  he  pos- 
sesses a  new  body ;  a  covering  for  his  Soul,  most  useful,  beautiful, 
and  ethereal;  quite  in  harmony  with  his  spiritual  surroundings. 

He  also  realizes  that  he  has  no  added  appendages, — such 
as  wings,  etc.;  he  is  merely  re-born,  rejuvenated,  fully  conscious, 
alert,  and  willing— nay,  anxious— to  resume  his  manifold  duties 
as  an  intelligent  individual.  Moreover,  he  discovers  that  the 
new  sphere  into  which  with  Death's  assistance  he  has  entered, 
is  quite  near  to  the  old  one,  just  outside  of  it,  in  fact,  and 
that  it  is  a  very  tangible  realm,  the  watchword  of  which  is 
"Liberty";  and  that  law  and  order  reign  supreme. 

There  is,  of  course,  a  new  form  of  government.  And  as 
soon  as  he  realizes  its  import,  as  a  true  citizen  he  is  ready  to 
conform  to  its  rules.  Therefore,  man  after  death  finding  so 
much  to  his  advantage,  so  much  to  admire  in  this  new  state, 
is  it  not  natural  that  he  should  desire  and  endeavor  in  a  prac- 
tical, if  ghostly,  fashion  to  communicate  with  those  he  left 
behind? 

Alas  for  modern  enlightenment! 

The  Spirit-man  when  he  puts  his  desires  into  operation 
discovers  to  his  dismay— and  disgust,  doubtless — that  there  is 
a  very  strong  prejudice,  excepting  in  very  special  scientific 
circles,  against  spiritual  manifestations. 

If  he  persists  in  his  visitations,  he  is  told  in  effect:  "My 
dear  fellow.  Now  you  are  dead  and  tucked  away  safely  in  your 
sepulchre,  be  wise,  and  stay  there.  What's  the  use  of  rising 
from  the  tomb  and  gliding  about  and  scaring  folk?  Please 
don't  forget  you  ought  to  be  in  Paradise;  you  were  supposed 
to  ge  good,  you  know.  If  things  are  different  keep  quiet  about 
it" 

Naturally  this  kind  of  reception  for  a  time  non-plusses  the 
ghost.  Still,  he  makes  further  efforts;  and  discovers  that  the 
mind  which  to  him  once  was  opaque,  is  now  as  clear  as  crystal. 
He  can  easily  read  the  thoughts  of  those  he  visits;  so  he  re- 
alizes fully  that — to  put  it  mildly — he  is  neither  wanted,  or 
understood.  Stifling  his  chagrin  as  best  he  may,  no  doubt  he 
does  some  hard  thinking;  and  eventually,  according  to  unim- 
peachable testimony, — he  comes  out  of  an  apparently  hopeless 
position,  triumphant.  With  dogged  determination,  patience  and 
perseverance,  he  gradually  surmounts  all  difficulties.  Removes 
all  obstacles  by  discovering  for  himself  a  human  instrument, — 
a  medium;  suitable  for  his  purpose  and  willing  to  co-operate 


with  him;  readily  responsive  to  his  spiritual  promptings  and 
commands.  A  Psychic  Message-bearer.  Who  willingly  makes* 
known  the  fact  that  he  has  survived  the  shock  of  death.  That 
he,  as  son,  brother,  lover,  or  husband,  is  still  constant, — living 
and  loving, — as  in  days  of  yore.  And  waiting  at  the  portals  for 
the  coming-over  of  his  own  dear  ones.  He  to  be  the  first  to 
welcome  them  to  that  glorious  summer  land,  there  to  dwell 
with  him  in  peace  and  happiness  for  aye. 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn, 
Baronet 

CHAPTER  I 

I,  Henry  Austin,  Storekeeper,  had  just  arrived  from 
Bath,  on  a  visit  to  Manchester, — the  great  Cottonopolis 
of  the  North.  I  was  here  on  a  short  pleasure  trip,  and — 
like  the  thrifty  Scot — was  endeavoring  to  turn  my  holi- 
day-keeping to  commercial  account.  So  during  my  stay 
in  the  great  Northern  city  I  had  taken  up  my  quarters 
at  a  well-known  hotel  whose  frontage  is  situated  in  the 
main  thoroughfare  near  an  important  railway  depot. 
Which  fact  alone  assists  in  deepening  the  mystery  and 
adds  to  the  peculiarity  of  the  whole  affair. 

On  the  special  occasion  to  which  I  refer,  I  was 
spending  the  latter  portion  of  a  busy  day  in  the  peace- 
ful seclusion  of  a  private  sitting-room,  reading  an  in- 
teresting book  on  the  dangers — I  beg  pardon,  joys — of 
matrimony;  time,  as  near  as  I  can  remember,  about  five 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  a  mild  September  day;  when 
I  was  disturbed  by  hearing,  as  I  thought,  the  door  of 
the  apartment  gently  opened  ,and  someone  glide  softly 
into  the  room.  Judging  by  the  deliberate  movements 
which  followed  I  decided  that  it  was  doubtless  a  waiter 
attending  to  duty  ,and  did  not  therefore  glance  up  from 
my  book  until  a  quiet,  but  peculiar,  rustling  caused  me  to  do 
so.  On  looking  up  I  encountered  the  quizzical  scrutiny 
of  a  pair  of  violet-blue  eyes,  owned  by  a  richly-garbed 
and  particularly  handsome  young  man,  who  upon  realiz- 
ing that  he  had  attracted  my  attention,  with  an  air  of 
courtly  politeness,  bowed  low  before  me. 

His  elaborate  attire  and  theatrical  attitude  caused  me 
to  conjecture  that  possibly  he  was  arrayed  for  a  mas- 
querade ball,  tableaux  vivants,  charade,  or  something  of 


12        The  <&ho§t  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

that  kind.  Anyhow,  my  unknown  and  unannounced  visi- 
tor was  charmingly  dressed  in  all  the  glory  of  an  Eigh- 
teenth Century  costume,  viz.,  a  suit  of  delicate  pale  pink 
brocaded  satin,  with  white-frilled  shirt,  his  powdered  hair 
or  wig  tied  at  the  nape  of  the  neck  with  a  how  of  wide 
silk  ribbon;  and  filmy  lace  of  cobweb  fineness  gracefully 
bescreened  a  pair  of  the  most  exquisitely-modeled,  richly- 
bejeweled,  lily-white  hands  it  has  been  my  lot  to  behold, 
— the  precious  stones  in  the  rings  emitting  entrancing 
rays  of  many-coloured  light;  while  white-silk  hose  and 
shoes  with  sparkling  buckles  adorned  his  nether  limbs. 
His  dress  was  one  of  surpassing  beauty  worn  with  the 
ease  and  custom  of  a  Prince. 

In  spite  of  the  irritation  I  was  feeling — caused  by 
the  unwarrantable  intrusion  of  the  good-looking  stranger, 
I  was  conscious  of  a  decided  interest  in  him.  He  had, 
apparently,  already  divested  himself  of  his  over-coat, 
gloves  and  three-cornered  hat  and  deposited  them  on 
the  couch  beside  him.  With  an  air  of  nonchalance  and 
a  slightly  mocking  smile  on  his  full  red  lips,  the  in- 
truder settled  himself  in  the  armchair  immediately  oppo- 
site me  and  with  a  careless  flick  in  my  direction,  of  a 
dainty  morsel  of  perfumed  lace  that  did  service,  it  seemed, 
for  a  handkerchief,  broke  the  silence;  coolly  and  com- 
mandingly  he  remarked: 

"Ah,  Austin,  my  good  fellow!  I  observe  you  are 
well  occupied  endeavouring  to  improve  your  mind  by 
study;  nevertheless,  I  require  your  undivided  attention 
for  a  while.  Listen  to  my  instructions,  please." 

"You  most  certainly  have  the  advantage  of  me,  Sir," 
I  stammered,  mustering  all  the  dignity  I  could  on  the 
spur  of  the  moment,  unpleasantly  conscious  that  my  man- 
ner and  speech  appeared  rough  and  hard  in  comparison 
with  the  high-bred  action  and  dulcet  tones  of  my  visitor. 

"There  is  no  necessity  for  me  to  apologize  for  my 
presence  here,"  he  said,  in  the  manner  of  one  conferring 
a  favour,  adding  loftily,  "My  name  is  Whynn,  Frank 
Whynn,  at  your  service.  By  gad,  sir,  try  to  understand 
that,  my  time  is  precious  and  attend  without  further  par- 
Icy." 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet         13 

As  can  be  imagined  I  naturally  resented  this  high- 
handed method  of  procedure,  especially  from  an  utter 
stranger;  yet  the  peculiarity  of  the  situation  had  its  at- 
traction, and  I  therefore  composed  myself  as  best  I  could. 
In  a  clear,  concise  manner  the  visitor  continued : 

"Now,  Austin,  I  would  have  you  know  I  am  fully 
acquainted  with  all  your  circumstances  and  am  in  pos- 
session of  all  necessary  information  concerning  your  com- 
mercial ability,  etc. ;  I  find  your  credentials  are  quite  sat- 
isfactory so  that  I  may  rely,  I  understand,  upon  your  be- 
ing honest  and  trustworthy.  I  desire  to  engage  your  ser- 
vices for  a  very  important  mission,  and  if  you  will  im- 
plicitly obey  my  instructions  you  will  have  no  cause  to 
regret  it;  in  fact,  you  will  not  need  to  continue  in  your 
trade  of  purchasing  dolls '  eyes  for  that  emporium  of 
yours  in  Bath,  you  know." 

"Dolls'  eyes,  indeed!"  I  indignantly  exclaimed. 
"What  do  you  mean,  Sir!  I  never  bought  a  single  doll's 
eye  in  the  whole  course  of  my  existence ! ' ' 

"Possibly  not,"  he  interrupted  composedly.  "Pre- 
sumably they  were  all  married  with  large  families, — but 
your  ware  is  quite  immaterial  to  me.  The  matter  re- 
quiring attention  is  urgent;  and  I  would  have  the  busi- 
ness dispatched  with  all  celerity.  Listen  carefully:  I 
desire  you  to  journey  with  all  speed  to  Brecon,  in  the 
county  of  Glamorganshire,  South  Wales.  In  that  pic- 
turesque village  there  stands  at  the  foot  of  the  hill  on 
the  high  road  to  the  drowsy  old  town  of  Brecon,  an  an- 
cient inn  named  the  "Roebuck,"  once  a  fine  posting 
station — now  fast  falling  into  decay,  so  aged  has  the 
building  become  that  it  may  be  demolished  at  any  time; 
but  ere  its  final  destruction  I  would  have  you  visit  the 
spot  and  pass  a  night  in  the  South  chamber  that  over- 
looks the  great  orchard ;  for  within  the  recess  of  its  old- 
fashioned  chimney  there  rests  hidden  treasure  which  I 
would  have  you  find.  Journey,  therefore,  hither  at  once ; 
seek  diligently  for  an  iron  ring  three  feet  above  the  re- 
cess inside  the  commodious  flue ;  use  your  full  strength 
upon  that  ring  and  dislodge  a  stone  plug,  then  thrust  your 
hand  into  the  aperture  and  draw  forth  two  bags  of  gold, 
— the  price  you  will  obtain  for  the  gold  will  serve  you 


14        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

for  expenses  during  the  fulfillment  of  your  mission.  I 
trust,  my  good  fellow,  you  thoroughly  understand  the 
instructions  so  far ?" 

At  this  point  I  stopped  him,  having  decided  that  the 
gentleman  was  either  mad  or — well, — I  now  believed  I 
knew  the  reason  ,therefore  I  said  coolly: 

4 '  I  imagine  you  are  an  actor,  Mr.  Whynn.  However, 
I  consider  it  a  breach  of  good  manners  to  force  your 
company  upon  me  in  this  manner.  I  have  no  desire  to 
witness  the  rehearsal  of  your  part — be  that  what  it  may, 
therefore  I  should  be  obliged  if  you  would  bring  this 
farce  to  an  end  and  leave  me  to  my  book." 

The  stranger's  reply  was  loud  and  disocncerting  laugh- 
ter ;then  stopping  suddenly  he  sprang  to  his  feet  and 
with  a  tragic  gesture — like  the  villain  in  the  play — 
cried  fiercely: 

" Zounds,  fellow !  Do  you  mistake  me  for  a  mummer? 
One  of  those  tragical-comical-historical  strolling  players, 
a  Thespian,  eh?  Was  it  not  Shakespeare  who  declared 
'  That  all  the  world 's  a  stage,  and  men  and  women  merely 
players'?  Other  than  in  this  manner,  I  can  lay  no  claim 
to  histrionic  greatness.  Gaze  well  at  this;  I  would  have 
you  thoroughly  realize  who  I  am." 

So  saying  he  thrust  under  my  nose  an  exquisite  silver 
snuff  box,  bearing  within  the  lid  in  gold  letters  this  in- 
scription, "Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet,  Llangollen  Cas- 
tle, Wales." 

"Well?" 

"Very  well.  I  wish  you  to  know  I  am  what  is 
termed  'dead',  that  is,  I  lived  in  the  physical  body  more 
than  two  hundred  years  ago.  Passed  out  in  1748.  I  be- 
long to  an  acient  Welsh  family  whose  baronial  halls  are 
still  in  existence  though  the  original  one  has  fallen  to  de- 
cay. But  my  position  is  entirely  beside  the  question.  As 
I  have  already  stated  I  am  spoken  of  as  dead,  but  as  you 
see, — very  much  alive.  I  would  have  you  understand  I 
have  taken  great  pains  and  have  spent  much  time  and 
labour  in  preparing  you  for  this  day.  I  am  greatly  in 
need  of  your  amterial — that  is — physical  services.  You 
are  my  chosen  vessel  remember,  and  you  must  do  my  work 
well.  I  have  come  for  the  purpose  of  giving  you  my 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        15 

orders,  which  you  must  carry  out  to  the  very  letter.  There 
is  in  all  this  a  special  reason  which  shall  be  revealed  as 
we  proceed." 

Perhaps  the  expression  on  my  face  prevented  my  visi- 
tor from  continuing,  for  he  resumed  his  seat  as  quickly 
as  he  had  vacated  it  and  covering  his  lips  with  the  deli- 
cate morsel  of  lace  concealed,  I  imagine,  a  smile,  while 
his  eyes  sparkled  with  suppressed  merriment. 

"Did  you  say  'dead9  more  than  two  hundred  years?" 
I  gasped,  endeavouring  valiantly  to  recover  from  the 
shock  his  statement  had  given  me. 

"Aye,  my  good  fellow,  truly!  My  physical  organism 
died  long  ago.  I  am  what  is  ordinarily  termed  a  '  ghost  * 
but  for  all  that  I  do  not  appear  very  shadowy,  do  IT 
Pray  do  not  feel  alarmed,  I  shall  not  harm  you  in  the 
least.  On  the  contrary,  if  you  will  permit  me  I  will  con- 
siderably benefit  you.  I  understand  you  feel  surprise, 
and  I  am  quite  prepared  for  a  certain  amount  of  preju- 
dice,— opposition  even;  but  I  conjure  you  by  all  you 
hold  dear  not  to  fear  me.  Trust  me.  Do  as  I  wish.  The 
task,  believe  me,  is  not  an  arduous  one.  But  its  accom- 
plishment is  essential  to  my  future  happiness.  I  will, 
however,  well  repay  you  for  your  labours,  will,  in  fact, 
heap  on  you  wealth,  honour  and  blessings.  What  can 
you  possibly  need  more.  Come  now,  what  do  you  say? 
Give  me  your  answer? 

To  be  perfectly  truthful  I  knew  not  what  reply  to 
make,  though  my  brain  had  been  actively  endeavouring  to- 
account  for  the  amazing  situation. 

At  first  I  was  inclined  to  think  the  mysterious  gentle- 
man might  be  an  advertising  agent  trying  to  induce  me 
to  take  an  interest  in  hidden  treasure  for  the  benefit  of 
some  Company  ,or  Magazine.  Then  I  seriously  pondered 
if  I  were  really  awake ;  I  even  shook  myself  a  little  in 
order  to  be  sure  I  had  not  fallen  asleep  over  my  book  and 
was  but  dreaming:  Here  was  an  individual  before  me, 
tangible  .and  real  enough,  conversing,  if  not  exactly  ra- 
tional yet  quite  easily,  who  nevertheless,  termed  himself 
a  ghost  and  desired  me  to  believe  that  his  mortal  re- 
mains had  been  buried  over  two  hundred  years  ago.  In 
the  course  of  Nature  the  physical  part  of  him  should  long 


16        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

ago  have  been  given  back  to  Mother  Earth  and  dissolved 
into  the  elements.  The  notion  was  preposterous!  Far 
more  likely  he  was  an  escaped  lunatic;  and  with  a  mad- 
man's cunning  had  gleaned  information  concerning  my 
occupation,  name,  address,  etc.,  for  some  wild  scheme 
known  only  to  his  own  disordered  mind. 

My  best  plan  would  certainly  be  to  ring  the  bell 
and  rid  myself  of  his  presence  as  soon  as  possible;  but 
ere  I  could  execute  my  plan  I  was  startled  and  confused 
by  my  vis-a-vis  exclaiming  sharply — 

'  *  When  you  have  quite  finished,  Austin,  cogitating  on 
the  advisability  of  obtaining  the  assistance  of  a  waiter 
to  expell  me  as  a  madman, — perhaps  you  will  give  me 
your  undivided  attention  and  possibly  a  sensible  answer 
to  my  proposals;  which  would  be  more  to  your  credit. 
For  I  warn  you  if  you  succeed  in  summoning  the  pro- 
prietor of  this  establishment, — his  wife, — family,  and  staff 
of  subordinates, — it  will  avail  you  nothing  and  the  con- 
sequences will  recoil  upon  your  own  head.  The  mo- 
ment these  people  enter  the  room  I  should  make  myself 
invisible  to  any  eyes  but  yours  and  you  would  merely 
get  the  credit  of  being  demented;  or, — as  your  elegant, 
modern  phraseology  has  it, — "A  little  bit  off  the  top." 
Come  now,  be  wise  in  time  and  agree  to  co-operate  with 
me.  Do  as  I  require  and  no  harm  will  attend  your  ac- 
tions. Will  you  undertake  my  mission?" 

"No,"  I  declared  defiantly,  "I  absolutely  refuse  to 
be  your  servant, — to  do  your  bidding." 

Nevertheless,  it  was  bewildering  to  realize  that  this 
madman  was  able  so  readily  and  accurately  to  read  my 
thoughts. 

"Indeed,"  said  he  with  sarcasm,  "If  that  be  the 
case,  I  shall  have  to  resort  to  compulsion  and  should  it 
come  to  a  tug-of-war,  I  warn  you  beforehand  you  will 
come  off  much  the  worse  in  the  encounter.  But  I  have  no 
desire  to  resort  to  extreme  measures,  though  if  you  com- 
pel me  by  your  obstinacy  there  will  be  no  alternative. 
Once  more  I  ask  you  to  well  consider  before  you  finally 
decide." 

"I  absolutely  refuse  your  offer  and  defy  you  to  do 
your  worst,"  I  answered  angrily. 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        17 

For  a  moment  an  ugly  frown  distorted  my  visitor's 
exquisite  features,  but  is  passed  immediately  and  with 
the  utmost  sauvity  and  urbanity  he  continued: 

"Pray  be  calm,  Austin;  don't  excite  yourself,  old 
fellow.  You  must  admit  your  display  of  temper  is  child- 
ish in  the  circumstances;  please  remember  you  have  no 
conception  of  my  power.  I  will  not  trouble  you  with  a 
display  of  it,  either, — as  yet;  but  will  repeat  my  state- 
ment that  I  am  prepared  to  protect  and  benefit  you; 
therefore  do  not  throw  away  your  chance  of  conspicuous 
promotion.  Think  well  over  the  matter  and  decide  to  ac- 
cept my  terms.  Do  not  fail  to  meet  me  at  the  "Roebuck" 
Inn  a  week  to-night."  And  with  a  sweeping  bow  and 
fascinating  smile  the  amazing  visitor  bade  me  adieu  and 
vanished  from  my  sight. 

To  say  I  was  astounded,  but  midly  expresses  my  feel- 
ings. I  had  heard  no  sound — the  door  was  not  opened 
in  the  ordinary  way — yet  the  gorgeously-attired  stranger 
was  no  longer  with  me,  and  curious  to  relate,  a  sense 
of  peculiar  loneliness  pervaded  the  room  after  his  dis- 
appearance. Had  it  not  been  that  the  words,  "Meet  me 
at  the  'Roebuck'  Inn  a  week  to-night,"  still  resounded 
in  my  ears  and  again  and  again  passed  through  my  brin, 
and  a  pleasant  perfume  pervaded  the  atmosphere,  I 
should  have  concluded  I  had  dreamt  the  whole  occurrence 
—but  endeavour  as  I  would, — I  could  not  break  the 
spell;  nor  dismiss  the  recollection  of  that  compelling 
sentence  of  a  meeting  at  the  'Roebuck.' 

Some  days  elapsed  filled  with  business  and  excite- 
ment such  as  a  populous  city  has  to  offer,  and  the  im- 
pressions above  related  gradually  paled  and  at  length  dis- 
appeared entirely.  I  had  not  mentioned  my  strange  ex- 
perience to  anyone, — not  even  my  wife  to  whom  I  wrote 
frequently.  And  when  the  day  of  my  homeward  jour- 
ney arrived,  I  can  assure  my  readers  that  I  left  Man- 
chester duly  prepared  for  the  journey  to  Bath,  but  owing 
— I  was  convinced — to  the  blunders  of  railway  officials,  I 
found  myself  instead,  in  South  Wales. 

The  guard  who  came  to  the  rescue  of  the  porters, 
whom  I  deluged  with  a  storm  of  abuse  for  the  inconceiv- 
able mistake  of  landing  me  in  Brecon,  when  I  desired 


18        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

to  be  in  the  City  of  Bath,  Somersetshire,  declared  I  had 
asked  for  Brecon,  South  Wales,  when  changing  at  Chin- 
ley,  and  that  he  had  purposely  put  me  into  a  through  car- 
riage. 

Conscious  of  the  fact  that  scolding  would  not  mend 
matters,  I  lost  no  more  time,  but  tried  to  rectify  the  mis- 
take. I  found  I  should  have  to  wait  a  few  hours  before 
making  the  return  journey;  I  therefore  wired  my  wife, 
•distributed  a  few  judicious  tips  to  the  perturbed  porters 
and  guards;  and  made  enquiries  for  the  " Roebuck "  Inn. 
It  appeared  that  it  was  within  an  easy  drive,  so  I  en- 
gaged a  broken-down  vehicle  politely  designated  a  'cab' 
and  desired  the  Jehu  to  take  me  thither. 

On  my  arrival  I  acknowledged  that  the  "  Roebuck " 
Inn  was  certainly  a  quaint  old  edifice;  solidly  built  of 
stone,  with  an  aged  and  hoary  exterior,  it  inspired  ad- 
miration and  respect.  It  was  still  the  pride  of  the  neigh- 
borhood; and  especially  of  its  host;  to  whom  it  was  a 
source  of  much  profit  by  way  of  tips  from  interested 
visitors. 

One  of  its  chief  show-rooms  was  that  overlooking  a 
lovely  old  orchard, — now  glowing  with  the  gold  and  crim- 
son of  its  ripened  fruit  and  reddeniing  leaves.  A  beau- 
tiful room,  with  low  ceiling  supported  by  broad,  heavy 
black  oak  beams;  its  walls  paneled;  its  oak  doors  and 
mantlepiece  wonderful  examples  of  the  carver's  art.  Its 
mullioned  windows  added  also  to  the  sense  of  importance 
with  which  the  visitor  was  impressed  on  entering,  and  it 
was  easy  to  believe  the  host,  who  filled  my  ears  with 
stories  of  the  great  ones — Royalty  included — who  had 
graced  it  with  their  presence  in  days  gone  by.  The  massive 
carved  bedstead  with  its  heavy  draperies  shutting  out  all 
but  a  sense  of  luxurious  rest  might  well  have  sheltered 
the  slumber  of  a  King  or  Queen  and  the  equally  heavy 
draperies  of  the  windows  added  to  the  vague  weirdness 
which  suffused  the  whole  apartment. 

Thus  did  I  find  myself  in  that  very  'South  chamber' 
of  the  "Roebuck"  Inn  of  which  my  ghostly  visitor  had 
spoken,  and  I  was  forced  to  admit  as  I  reviewed  the  situ- 
ation that  Pate  in  mysterious  fashion  had  played  pranks 
with  me,  and  the  spook  had  gained  a  point. 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        t9 

Though  resolutely  endeavouring  not  to  think  of  hid- 
den treasure,  I  felt  a  strong  desire  to  remain  longer  in 
the  room  and  with  some  difficulty  and  much  tipping  at 
last  obtained  permission  from  my  reluctant  host. 

Left  alone,  and  with  the  privilege  of  staying  for  the 
night,  I  began  a  cautious  examination  of  the  room, — espe- 
cially the  wide  old-time  fireplace  with  its  quaint  iron  dogs 
well-fitted  to  support  the  Yuletide  fuel.  The  huge  chim- 
ney compelled  my  attention,  and  much  as  I  determined 
to  resist  its  fascination  I  found  myself  still  gazing  at,  and 
conjecturing,  if  in  romantic  times  long  past,  that  ancient 
masonry  had  really  received  secret  visits  and  harboured 
hidden  treasure?  Slowly  and  surely  curiosity  overcame 
all  other  feeling  and  I  began  an  exhaustive  examination 
of  the  room — to  assure  myself,  may  be,  that  no  one 
lurked  behind  the  curtains,  or  in,  or  under,  that  majestic 
bed;  and  in  due  time  my  searching  finished  at  the  capa- 
cious flue. 

Very  cautiously  I  peered  into  its  yawning  mouth; 
very  carefully  felt  my  way  inside  it ;  and  to  my  surprise 
and  delight  found  it  contained  a  recess!  Remembering 
the  directions  given  I  continued  feeling  over  the  wall  with 
my  hand,  and  at  length  came  upon  a  metal  ring  embedded 
in  the  sunken  portion  of  the  masonry.  Yes!  Yes!  "an 
iron  ring  three  feet  above  the  recess  inside  the  commodi- 
ous flue!" 

I  was  now  thoroughly  aroused.  I  determined  not  to 
leave  the  room — far  less  the  Inn — until  I  had  dislodged 
the  stone  plug, — to  which  I  felt  convinced  that  iron  ring 
must  be  attached.  There  passed  throug  my  mind  those 
words:  "use  your  full  strength  upon  that  ring  and  dislodge 
a  stone  plug." 

In  vain  I  exerted  my  strength — in  vain  I  tugged  and 
pulled;  injuring  my  hands  with  the  rough,  rusty  ring, 
and  my  arms  and  wrists  with  the  force  of  my  endeeavour. 
Until  at  last,  weary  and  exhausted,  I  relaxed  my  efforts ; 
deciding  to  renew  them  later  on,  when,  after  a  good  din- 
ner I  should  feel  better  able  to  wrestle  with  the  time- 
set  plug. 

Having  dined  and  rested,  faithful  to  my  resolution,  I 
returned  to  my  task.  Candles  pleasantly  illuminated  one 


20        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

portion  of  the  room;  and  other  candles,  unlighted,  were 
set  on  the  high  mantle-shelf  and  on  a  table  at  the  bed- 
side. The  lighted  candle  I  carried  in  my  hand  did  duty 
for  the  continuance  of  my  struggle;  so  placing  it  where 
its  rays  would  be  most  favourable  and  shielding  it  from 
the  down-draught  of  the  flue,  I  again  essayed  my  strength 
upon  the  iron  ring.  Try  as  I  would  I  could  not  dislodge 
the  plug  it  indicated.  I  had  not  sufficient  strength,  or 
knack,  perhaps,  to  move  it.  I  was  at  last  giving  up  in 
despair  when  a  slight  sound  as  of  loosening  caused  me 
with  increased  vigour  to  renew  my  efforts  and  to  my  joy, 
I  succeeded  in  drawing  the  stone  plug  a  little  towards 
me,  and  then,  exerting  my  whole  strength  in  one  great 
endeavour  I  finally  released  it.  I  nearly  lost  my  balance 
in  so  doing,  for  though  by  no  means  huge,  the  stone  was 
immensely  heavy  for  its  size ;  however,  I  saved  myself  in 
time,  and  depositing  the  plug  upon  the  hearth  beside  me, 
I  eagerly  sought  a  view  of  what  had  lain  behind  it.  Find- 
ing I  could  not  clearly  discern  anything  I  thrust  my  hand 
into  the  aperture  to  feel  for  substances  which  might  be 
there  and  come  upon  something  globular  in  form  and 
soft  like  leather  to  the  touch.  What  was  it — this  dust- 
grimed  substance  under  my  hand?  Bags?  Yes!  bags! 
Eagerly  I  drew  forth  one  and  then  the  other — heavy 
and  filled  with  some  hard  substance.  Trembling  with 
excitement  I  struggled  with  the  dust,  and  the  cord  se- 
curing each  bag,  unwilling  somehow  to  cut  the  tie  as 
I  could  easily  have  done, — and  finally  displayed  to  view 
the  dull  yellow  of  the  hidden  treasure ! 

When  able  to  collect  my  senses  a  little  I  attempted  to 
distinguish  the  nature  and  also  count  the  number  of 
ancient  coins;  until  weary  and  exhausted  I  found  that 
the  task  was  beyond  me  and  decided  on  repose. 

I  had  scarcely  time  to  begin  to  appreciate  the  soft- 
ness of  the  old-time  feather  bed  and  the  downy  pillows 
when  I  was  startled  by  a  sharp  rap  on  niy  shoulder;  and 
glancing  upward  in  alarm,  I  met  the  amused  gaze  and 
saw  in  the  darkness, — as  though  suspended  above  me, — 
a  soft  phosphorescent  light  in  which  appeared  the  grace- 
ful form  and  face  of  him  who  called  himself  "Frank 
Whynn. " 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet         21 

Seeing  I  at  once  recognized  him,  he  began  pleas- 
antly : 

"Well  done!  Austin,  old  fellow.  I  am  delighted  you 
have  felt  it  your  duty  to  obey  my  behest !  It  is  time  now 
to  give  you  further  directions:  When  you  leave  here 
take  the  gold  with  you ;  dispose  of  it  in  your  own  estab- 
lishment to  a  customer  whom  I  will  influence  to  visit  you, 
— a  Jew, — Leon  by  name.  He  will  enquire  for  curios,  and 
you  will  display  your  find  to  him.  He  will  give  you  a 
fair  price  for  those  valuable  old  coins  if  you  manage 
him.  Get  as  much  as  possible  from  him,  Leon  can  well 
afford  to  pay;  and  they  are  worth  a  goodly  sum;  there- 
fore drive  a  good  bargain — a  Jew  is  proverbially  a  tough 
customer  so  deal  with  him  accordingly.  I  will  endeavour 
to  send  a  tutelary  spirit  to  watch  proceedings  and  in- 
spire you  to  demand  and  to  accept  the  correct  value. 
You  must  then  journey  to  Hornsworth  Castle,  in  West- 
morland, the  residence  of  Lord  Templeton,  who  is  a  de- 
scendant of  my  family;  he  is  at  present  absent  in  Italy, 
but  you  can  get  permission  to  inspect  the  Castle  from 
the  agent,  Mr.  Lennox.  You  go  there  for  the  purpose  of 
obtaining  documents  lying  in  the  secret  drawer  of  an  old- 
fashioned  cabinet  in  the  Library;  it  is  imperative  you 
get  possession  of  those  papers.  I  with  other  spirits  will 
meet  you  there  and  instruct  you  how  to  do  so.  You 
will  then  take  them  to  your  residence  and  after  revision 
by  me  you  will  return  them  safely  to  the  drawer  from 
which  you  removed  them.  These  documents — whose  con- 
tents is  at  present  unknown  to  others — are  to  me,  all- 
important.  They  deal  with  my  private  affairs  and  have 
within  them  many  misleading  statements — some  of  them 
fatally  detrimental  to  those  I  love.  It  is  my  intention  to 
correct  the  errors.  You  may  consider  this  a  question- 
able way  of  making  history;  but  it  is, — I  assure  you, — 
a  very  safe  one;  and  in  this  case  it  is  justifiable.  For 
the  present  I  will  not  burden  you  with  more,  but  wish 
you  the  best  of  slumber  in  that  fine  old  bed.  Au  Voir ! ' ' 

He  finished  speaking  and  my  eyes  could  no  longer 
perceive  him.  A  host  of  perturbed  thoughts  and  strange 
notions  jostled  each  other  in  my  brain.  It  was  impos- 
sible to  doubt  the  reality  of  the  presence  so  lately  with 


22        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

me,  or  deny  that  he  was  more  than  human.  Neither  could 
I  dispute  the  fact  that  circumstances  not  of  my  own 
making  had  brought  me  to  a  place  hitherto  altogether 
unknown  to  me;  and  furthermore,  the  discovery  of  the 
treasure  was  indubitable  testimony  of  the  truth  of  the 
ghost's  assertions.  Yet  I  confess  I  did  not  enjoy  the 
idea  of  being  the  tool  of  a  man  long  dead,  or  of  that 
man's  spirit;  but  being  so  far  entangled  my  difficulty 
was  to  see  a  clear  way  out  of  it. 

Eventually  I  made  up  my  mind  to  follow  his  instruc- 
tions and  to  take  the  coins  with  me,  secreting  them  some- 
how upon  my  person.  And,  of  course,  I  should  have  to 
remove  all  trace  of  my  investigations  lest  suspicion  be 
aroused  and  no  end  of  trouble  should  follow.  Therefore, 
I  deemed  it  best  to  rise,  and  return  the  stone  plug  to  its 
place,  and  re-fix  the  cement  as  best  I  could  by  the  aid 
of  wit  and  water, — trusting  to  the  general  darkness  of 
the  flue  to  protect  my  handiwork  should  anyone  think  of 
making  an  examination  of  the  room  after  the  departure 
of  the  stranger  who  evinced  so  much  desire  to  remain  the 
night. 

These  things  done  so  as  to  leave  no  apparent  traces 
of  tampering,  and  all  restored  to  my  satisfaction,  I  once 
more  sought,  and  this  time  found,  repose. 


CHAPTER  II 

My  birthplace,  and  that  of  my  forefathers  for  many 
generations,  is  the  ancient  city  of  Bath.  A  delightfully 
charming,  old-world  place;  once  the  favourite  resort  of 
Royalty,  and  the  residence  of  aristocracy  of  the  bluest 
blood.  I  naturally  love  the  old  city  with  its  ancient  edi- 
fices, especially  the  gray  old  Abby  that  Cromwell  and  his 
legions  tried  so  ineffectually  to  destroy. 

Lying  in  an  escalloped  basin  all  roads  lead  up  to 
Bath's  broad,  velvety  downs,  and  one  must  therefore 
climb  the  surrounding  hills  to  reach  them ;  or,  follow- 
ing the  windings  of  the  lovely  river,  go  along  the  valley 
of  the  Avon. 

Bath  is  still  the  "Beautiful";  possessing  an  inex- 
haustible picturesqueness  in  her  winding  and  sloping 
streets,  which  give  at  every  end  a  panoramic  view  of  the 
surrounding  beauty. 

But  a  change  has  come  o'er  the  spirit  of  the  dream; 
and  the  city  presents  a  very  different  aspect  to  the  world 
to-day  to  that  which  she  wore  in  the  stirring  and  roman- 
tic times  of  Beau  Brummell,  and  when  Beau  Nash  was 
the  uncrowned  king  of  her  lovely  precincts. 

Her  natural  beauties  are  still  undiminished ;  "Age 
cannot  wither  her  nor  stale  her  great  variety ' ' ;  the  dear 
old  place  still  presents  panorama  of  splendid  scenery; 
but  the  once  stately  city  of  Bath  is  fast  falling  into  the 
sere  and  yellow  leaf  of  senile  decay;  the  pride, — the 
pomp, — the  power  and  the  passion  of  her  glorious  past 
lie  buried  forever  in  the  tomb,  to  which  she  herself 
doubtless  declines. 

Yet  she  lives  on — a  witness  indisputable,  of  the  Ro- 
man conquerors;  who  finding  the  district  of  vast  fertility 
and  interest,  turned  to  their  utmost  account  the  healing 
springs  of  waters  which,  gushing,  bubbling,  hissing 
and  boiling,  escape  from  the  bowels  of  the  earth.  They 
pitched  their  tents,  55  B.C.,  and  made  a  settlement,  which 
lasted  until  the  withdrawal  of  their  Legions  in  the  Fifth 
Century  after  Christ.  Then  gradually  and  entirely  the 


24        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

Roman  city  passed  from  sight ;  and  other  builders  built 
for  other  times. 

Only  of  recent  years  have  excavations  brought  to 
light  the  handiwork  of  those  old  Romans.  The  vast  tanks 
for  bathing, — the  stone  platforms, — the  steps  and  seats,— 
the  columns  and  vaulted  roofs, — the  furnaces  for  heat- 
ing water, — the  lavish  use  of  materials  in  the  plumb- 
ing,— all  attesting  the  great  knowledge  they  possessed 
two  thousand  years  ago.  And  the  Roman  bridges,  Roman 
roads  and  toll  houses,  bear  witness  also  to  the  durability 
of  their  workmanship.  Nor  is  it  possible  to  dig  to  any 
great  depth  anywhere  in  Bath  without  making  discov- 
eries of  Roman  occupation  in  days  long  ago. 

But  the  Ghost!  Ah!  I  have  not  forgotten  him!  I 
could  not  if  I  so  desired ;  his  influence  is  too  strong  to 
be  lightly  disposed  of. 

I  am  a  practical,  hard-headed  man  of  the  world. 
There  is  nothing  sentimental  or  imaginative  about  me; 
nevertheless,  I  have  often  conversed  with  a  ghost,  and 
the  statement  of  the  fact  has  brought  a  heap  of  ridicule 
upon  me.  Even  the  wife  of  my  bosom  listened  to  my 
story  with  an  air  of  downright  skepticism;  and  though 
it  was  impossible  to  deny  the  testimony  of  the  coins,  I 
felt, — in  spite  of  their  very  practical  and  material  evi- 
dence,— that  she  was  inclined  to  doubt  the  mental  condi- 
tion of  her  lord! 

She  interrogated  me  closely  concerning  my  libations 
during  my  stay  in  Manchester. 

Doubtless  the  noise,  smoke,  dust,  dirt  and  rain  of 
that  city  are  enough  to  drive  one  occasionally  to  drink; 
but  I  am  an  abstemious  man  and  do  not  indulge  in  ex- 
cess. I  did  not  once  overstep  the  mark  during  my  stay 
in  Cottonopolis.  It  was  a  real  ghost  and  no  alcoholic 
liquor  which  was  responsible  for  my  experiences, — and 
so  I  endeavored  to  convince  my  wife,  and  to  diabuse 
her  mind  of  the  idea  that  I  had  courted  the  whole  occur- 
rence by  conversing  with  the  spirit. 

Conviction,  however,  must  have  come  when  a  Jew, 
giving  the  name  of  Leon,  visited  our  establishment  and 
enquired  for  curios.  I  exhibited  several  things,  but  failed 
to  interest  him,  and  finally  showed  him  the  antique  coins. 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        25 

He  was  delighted  with  them  ;  and  after  a  certain  amount 
of  bargaining  ended  by  purchasing,  at  a  good  price,  the 
treasure  I  had  abstracted  from  the  old  chimney  of  the 
"Roebuck"  Inn. 

My  business  and  family  history  will  not  interest 
the  reader;  but  one  incident  should  be  related.  As  my 
wife  could  not  fail  to  see  that  the  prophecies  of  the  ghost 
were  being  fulfilled,  she  became  greatly  alarmed.  And 
when,  a  little  later  I  followed  instructions  to  dispose  of 
my  business  and  retire  to  the  country,  she  was  thor- 
oughly unnerved  and  pleaded  with  me  to  have  nothing 
further  to  do  with  the  occult. 

"Oh!  Harry/'  she  cried,  piteously,  the  tears  stream- 
ing down  her  cheeks,  "do  give  it  all  up.  I  am  certain 
it  is  but  the  Devil's  work,  and  I  fear  for  the  future — 
indeed  I  do!" 

I  endeavored  to  soothe  her,  and  made  her  some  prom- 
ises; but  I  gave  her  to  understand  that  I  could  not  dis- 
regard the  knowledge  I  possessed;  nor  slight,  nor  resist 
entirely  the  influence  which  urged  me  forward.  Be- 
sides,— I  acknowledged  to  her, — I  felt  a  great  respect 
— almost  an  affection — for  the  ghost  of  Sir  Francis 
Whynn ;  and  his  absence  as  I  would  that  of  an  intimate 
friend.  Also,  I  had  experienced  that  by  following  his 
instructions  I  was  always  benefited  and  I,  therefore,  saw 
no  reason  to  disregard  his  counsel,  or  refuse  to  be  influ- 
enced by  his  advice. 

Not  long  after  this  explanation  I  sold  my  business 
profitably;  and  retiring  to  a  quiet  country  residence  in 
Somersetshire,  settled  down  to  the  study  of  metaphysics. 
My  wife,  I  am  glad  to  say,  finally  withdrawing  a  good 
deal  of  her  opposition  to  my  researches  into  Spiritual 
Science. 

Time  passed,  and  nothing  of  importance  happened_. 
So  long,  indeed,  was  it  since  I  received  a  visit  from  the 
spirit-world  that  I  seemed  forgotten.  A  sense  of  neglect 
enveloped  me ;  and  depression  began  to  lay  its  hand  upon 
me. 

The  land  was  filled  with  summer;  the  twittering  and 
song  of  the  birds, — the  drone  of  insects, — the  colour  and 
beauty  of  flowers, — the  richness  of  foliage  and  lawn, — 
all  made  the  surroundings  of  my  country  home  a  great 


26        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

delight.  My  special  sanctum, — cooled  this  hot  afternoon 
and  toned  to  a  soft  light  by  the  sun-blinds  shutting  out 
the  glare  from  each  window, — was  a  haven  of  restful 
peace  and  shade.  But  mentally  I  drooped ;  longing  for  a 
visit  from  him,  who,  with  his  elegant  manner  and  beauty 
of  aspect  had  woven  himself  into  my  life.  Who  now 
seemed  unconscious  of  my  existence  and  whose  visits  I 
had  almost  ceased  to  expect ;  forced  to  the  conclusion 
that  he  had  forgotten  all  about  me. 

One  afternoon  I  was  sitting  listlessly,  unable  to  take 
an  interest  even  in  the  occult,  when  a  slight  noise, 
a  sound  familiar  and  indescribable,  and  a  waft  of  de- 
licious perfume  attracted  my  attention,  causing  my 
heart  to  beat  wildly  with  a  sudden  hope.  Nor  was  I 
disappointed.  For  charmingly  attired  as  ever,  and  as 
gay,  Sir  Francis  Whynn  stood  before  me. 

"Ah,  Austin,  industrious  as  usual,"  he  exclaimed. 
"Surrounded  by  books  and  learning!  No,  no,  don't  dis- 
turb yourself, ' '  he  added ;  motioning  me  with  a  waive  of 
his  lovely  hand  to  retain  the  seat  from  which  on  seeing 
him  I  had  essayed  to  rise. 

His  influence  was  astounding,  the  rush  of  feeling  to 
my  breast  was  overpowering.  An  overwhelming  flow 
of  affection  surged  through  me;  I  felt  a  strong  desire  to 
kneel  before  him  in  abasement.  He  seemed  to  know  my 
feelings,  for  he  addressed  me  in  a  markedly  tender  and 
sympathetic  manner: 

"I  understand  you,  Austin,  and  appreciate  fully  your 
regard;  and  I  am  glad  to  see  that  you  are  beginning  to 
realize  how  much  I  desire  to  benefit  you;  that  I  am  your 
true  friend  and  have  your  welfare  faithfully  at  heart. 
I  shall  also  do  my  best  to  gain  the  confidence  of  your 
wife ;  a  task  I  hope  to  accomplish  in  due  season ;  at  pres- 
ent there  is  more  important  work  to  accomplish. 

You  must  now  arrange  your  visit  to  Hornsworth 
Castle.  The  time  is  ready  for  action  in  relation  to  the 
affair  I  have  already  mentioned  to  you.  You  must  meet 
me  shortly  at  Lord  Templeton's  for  the  purpose  of  secur- 
ing the  documents  I  need.  You  will  find  yourself  alone 
in  the  library  of  the  Castle  and  will  there  carry  out  my 
plans.  My  part  will  be  complete,  and  you  must  carry 
yours  through  in  a  like  thorough  manner.  Write  Lord 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        27 

Templeton  for  permission  to  visit  the  Castle  as  I  dictate 
to  you,  and  meet  me  there  eleven  days  from  to-day. 

And  remember,  I  promise  you  this — that  if  you  ful- 
fill my  requests  as  I  desire,  many  secrets  shall  be  revealed 
to  you.  And  in  the  near  future,  as  my  medium,  you  shall 
visit  foreign  lands,  dwell  with  great  ones,  and  your 
fame  be  world-renowned." 

As  I  listened  to  my  handsome  visitor  speaking  thus 
concerning  myself  a  sense  of  joy  pervaded  my  whole  be- 
ing; and  when  I  had  gained  sufficient  courage  and  calm- 
ness to  be  able  to  speak  I  assured  him  I  would  execute 
his  every  order;  not  with  the  expectation  of  gaining  a 
reward  for  my  labours,  but  because  of  the  sympathy  and 
admiration  he  aroused  within  me. 

"  Believe  me,  Sir.  Francis,  you  may  rely  upon  me. 
Yours  is  my  true  allegiance.  My  word  is  my  bond.  And 
every  vow  I  make  to  you  I  will  keep." 

With  a  sweet  smile  of  delight  and  a  gracious  inclina- 
tion of  his  shapely  head,  he  answered  in  his  captivating 
voice:  "Thanks,  Austin,  old  fellow;  I  most  certainly 
accept  your  physical  favours  in  the  spirit  in  which  they 
the  given.  I  have  every  confidence  in  your  sincerity, 
and  in  your  ability  to  perform  the  tasks  before  you.  And 
I  appreciate  your  expressions  of  loyalty  to  my  cause. 
Gooy-bye,  Austin.  Remember  to  meet  me  at  Hornsworth 
Castle  in  eleven  days." 

And  as  ever  Sir  Francis  Whynn  was  gone.  Only 
the  memory  of  the  bewitching  fascination  of  his  pres- 
ence, and  the  exquisite  odour  of  White  Rose  and  Musk 
— which  always  pervaded  the  apartment  during  his  visits 
—remained  with  me ;  wrapping  me  in  delightful  recol- 
lections for  long  after  his  departure. 

The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn  has  subtly  and 
spiritually  enlightened  my  mind  respecting  what  were 
at  one  time  difficult  problems;  and  thankfulness  blended 
with  respect,  deep  admiration,  and  sympathy,  fill  my 
soul;  and  I  heartily  trust  that  all  his  desires  may  be  ac- 
complished. To  refuse  to  aid  him  would  be  for  me  im- 
possible; he  is  so  enchantingly  graceful  —  so  easy  and 
clever — I  could  not  resist  his  power  or  refuse  to  accept 
any  ideas  he  might  place  before  me.  I  am  content  to 
obey  his  commands  and  leave  results.  I  am  convinced 


28        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

that  he  possesses  marvellous  abilities  and  is  a  being  of 
a  higher  order  than  mortals. 

He  can  read  my  thoughts  swiftly  and  accurately,  fore- 
tell events,  make  and  keep  appointments,  converse  fluently 
and  rationally,  visit  me  by  day  or  night. 

Distance  presents  no  difficulty;  stone  walls  cannot 
keep  him  out,  locked  doors  in  no  way  prove  a  bar;  but 
instantaneously  he  can  appear  and  disappear,  and  though 
to  all  seeming  quite  substantial,  vanishes  into  the  air  and 
is  gone. 

After  such  an  interview  my  wife  declares  that  for 
some  time  following  I  appear  dazed,  and  have  in  my  eyes 
a  far-away  expression  and  a  glow  upon  my  countenance. 
She  says: 

"You  never  seem  properly  awake  now,  Harry.  And 
when  that  persistent  spook  of  yours  has  manifested,  your 
appearance  and  manner  is  of  one  who  has  been  suddenly 
aroused  from  deep  slumber,  and  who  is  only  partly  con- 
scious of  his  surroundings. ' ' 

"My  dear,"  I  expostulate  mildly,  "I  feel  wide  awake 
enough — Surely  you  exaggerate  a  little.  I  am  well  aware 
you  object  to  Sir  Francis  Whynn  using  my  physical 
organism,  but  let  me  beg  of  you  to  take  a  more  tolerant 
view  and  a  more  rational  standpoint.  The  wisdom  of  his 
present  course  of  action  will  be  made  clear  some  day. ' ' 

I  realize  that  my  wife  is  somewhat  prejudiced  against 
the  visits  of  the  Ghost.  Perhaps  it  is  pardonable,  for,  as 
you  see,  we  have  neither  chick  nor  child,  and  all  our  mar- 
ried life  have  been  a  devoted  couple.  These  spiritual 
manifestations  are  our  first  division.  I  do  my  best  to 
assure  her  all  is  well  both  now  and  in  the  future,  and  that 
my  affection  is  not  in  any  way  estranged  from  her.  And 
she  admits  that  since  the  visits  of  the  Ghost  both  she  and  I 
have  to  acknowledge  the  development  of  much  latent  talent. 
She  having  been  influenced  by  a  great  desire  to  draw  and 
paint,  and  in  a  marvellously  rapid  fashion  has  developed 
ability  for  portraiture  and  landscapes — faculties  she  hith- 
erto never  dreamed  that  she  possessed.  Again,  she  has 
unfolded  powers  of  clairvoyance,  and  is  able  to  describe 
to  me  the  forms  and  objects  she  discerns  which  are  not 
present  to  our  physical  senses.  I  encourage  her  all  I  possi- 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        29 

bly  can  in  this  direction,  deeply  interested  myself  and 
confident  such  power  will  benefit  her;  and  it  may  be  the 
operating  influence  which  will  prevail  upon  her  to  take 
more  kindly  to  Sir  Francis  Whynn. 

My  study  of  Spiritual  Science  has  led  me  to  discover 
that  I  am  capable  of  being  what  is  termed  "controlled"; 
that  is,  my  whole  mental  and  spiritual  ego  can  be  com- 
pletely dominated  by  the  influence  of  a  spirit-being.  I  am 
informed  that  I  am  a  "spirit-medium"  and  considered  a 
good  physical  instrument  for  use  by  the  spirit-people, — 
which  possibly  explains  why  I  have  been  chosen  to  go  upon 
this  remarkable  errand  to  Hornsworth  Castle. 

I  wrote,  as  instructed,  to  Lord  William  Templeton,  and 
in  making  my  written  request  I  followed  the  directions  of 
a  spirit-voice  which,  in  distinctly  audible  words,  dictated 
every  syllable  of  the  letter. 

This  amazing  experience  occurred  to  me  when  I  was 
alone  in  my  study  one  evening,  just  before  dusk ;  I  could 
see  no  form,  but  every  utterance  was  clear  and  distinct. 
I  confess  to  considerable  nervousness  when  the  words  first 
fell  upon  my  ears,  nor  do  I  think  that  is  surprising  consid- 
ering the — in  my  case — unprecedented  happening.  The 
letter  was  beautifully  expressed,  and  evidently  dictated  by 
a  person  of  rank.  It  produced  the  desired  effect,  permis- 
sion being  received  from  Lord  Templeton  for  me  to  stay  at 
Hornsworth  and  to  make  any  use  I  required  of  his  noted 
collection  of  books. 

Truly  the  Fates  were  propitious  and  I  considered 
myself  a  very  fortunate  individual ! 

All  preparations  being  completed,  I  journeyed  to  West- 
morland, and  in  due  course  arrived  at  the  country  station, 
where  a  smart  brougham  was  waiting  for  me.  On  my 
arrival  at  the  Castle  I  was  received  with  respect  by  the 
steward  and  housekeeper,  and  after  being  shown  to  my 
room,  and  partaking  of  a  recherche  luncheon,  I  was  taken 
on  a  tour  of  inspection  by  the  old  family  butler. 

Hornsworth  is  a  stately  erection  built  in  the  Eliza- 
bethan period.  In  1669  a  handsome  wing  was  added, 
designed  by  that  renowned  architect, — Sir  Christopher 
Wren;  and  various  other  additions  have  been  made  from 
time  to  time,  and  the  interior  fitted  with  every  desirable 
modern  appliance. 


30        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

My  interest  centred  chiefly  in  the  picture  gallery  and 
the  library ;  the  former  abounding  with  splendid  works  of 
art  in  which  I  took  particular  delight ;  my  attention  being 
riveted  by  a  magnificent  portrait  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn 
executed  by  that  great  Italian  painter,  Baloni.  There 
was  also  a  beautiful  painting  by  an  unknown  artist  repre- 
senting a  lady  and  a  gentleman — Sir  Francis,  I  feel  sure 
— upon  a  terrace;  a  smooth  green  lawn  spread  out  before 
and  below  them.  The  lady, — lovely  in  the  extreme, — is 
seated  in  a  stiff  high-backed  chair,  her  companion  bending 
over  her  with  a  world  of  affection  in  his  gaze;  she  toys 
with  a  bouquet  of  roses,  some  of  the  petals  of  which  have 
fallen  and  lie  scattered  on  the  ground.  The  grace  of 
attitude  and  the  perfection  of  her  beauty  of  face  and  form 
are  beyond  my  poor  ability  to  describe. 

About  this  picture  I  asked  many  questions.  Who  was 
the  lady?  Who  was  the  gentleman?  Who  the  painter? 
I  received  very  unsatisfactory  replies.  The  gentleman  was 
a  remote  ancestor  of  Lord  Templeton,  who  died  abroad 
whilst  comparatively  young — the  lady  was  a  friend.  I 
noticed  that  the  rather  aged  butler  seemed  a  little  deaf, 
more  especially  when  I  made  enquiries  concerning  Sir 
Francis  Whynn. 

During  my  stay  the  pictures  were  all  uncovered  and 
I  made  many  visits  to  the  gallery — indeed  I  could  scarcely 
tear  myself  away- — chiefly  because  of  those  magnificent 
portraits  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn.  The  old  butler  usually 
accompanied  me ;  he  had  little  to  do  while  the  family  was 
abroad,  and  a  privileged  and  learned  visitor, — I  think  he 
looked  upon  me  as  a  savant, — was  always  welcome;  and 
he  respected  me  accordingly. 

We  were  standing  talking  in  the  gallery  on  the  usual 
topic  of  family  history  as  exemplified  in  portraits,  when  a 
startling  noise  attracted  our  attention;  it  proceeded  from 
the  picture  of  the  unknown  pair  and  was  as  though  some- 
one had  sharply  cracked  a  whip.  As  it  could  not  be 
accounted  for  otherwise,  I  took  it  to  be  a  signal  to  me  from 
the  unseen.  Therefore,  expressing  my  desire  to  consult  a 
book,  I  left  the  gallery.  I  observed  old  John  looked  around 
apprehensively  as  we  went  out. 

On  reaching  the  library  I  settled  myself  in  one  of  its 
restful  and  capacious  chairs  with  an  interesting  volume  on 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        31 

my  knee.  I  had  scarcely  lost  myself  in  its  pages  when  a 
slight  and  well-recognized  sound  caused  me  to  look  up — 
my  ghost  was  standing  before  me,  smiling  and  debonnair. 

''Delighted  to  see  you  again,  Austin,"  said  he.  Then 
with  a  sweeping  bow,  "Let  me  present  you  to  my  friends.'' 
And  behold,  three  other  spirits  stood  with  him,  their  white 
robes  arranged  and  worn  much  as  the  Roman  wore  his  toga. 
Indicating  each  individual,  Sir  Francis  introduced  them: 

"This  is  Father  Piercy, — my  Father  Confessor,  and 
this  is  my  esteemed  friend,  Rudolph  Kellier, — physician 
and  surgeon;  a  most  useful  person  in  warfare, — duel, — 
or  desperate  fracas,  to  repair  damages.  And  this  is  my 
clever  friend,  Ribchester  Rochester  Hilton,  a  Shakesperian 
actor,  or  heavy  tragedian, — therefore  well  suited  and  ever 
ready  to  amuse  me  when  I  am  sad.  Nevertheless,  I  am 
fortunate  to  be  honored  with  their  friendship.  As  you 
see,  Austin,  the  professions  are  well  represented." 

The  spirits  having  acknowledged  the  introduction,  he 
continued : 

"My  reason  for  bringing  about  this  meeting  between 
you  and  these  gentlemen  is,  that  when  necessity  demands 
they  will  make  use  of  your  organism.  Therefore  I  advise 
you  to  co-operate  with  them,  as  you  have  so  kindly  done 
with  me.  The  hour  of  your  mission  at  Hornsworth  has 
arrived.  This,"  directing  my  attention  towards  a  beauti- 
fully designed  and  exquisitely  carved  cabinet  of  Italian 
workmanship,  "is  an  heirloom,  hence  considered  priceless; 
and  to  me  is  especially  valuable,  for  the  reason  that  it- 
contains  many  secrets  the  world  must  never  know.  And," 
he  added  smilingly,  ' '  I  intend  now  to  remove  the  danger  of 
discovery. 

"Give  your  complete  attention,  Austin,  while  I  direct 
my  subordinats  to  take  dimensions,  magnetize,  and  break 
open  the  parts  which  securely  hold  my  treasure.  You  must 
then  take  charge  of  the  documents  and  keep  them  safe  at 
any  cost." 

He  turned,  and  in  a  foreign  tongue  spoke  to  someone. 

At  that  moment  a  flood  of  soft,  phosphorescent  light 
fell  upon  the  cabinet ;  and  to  my  astonishment  a  spirit-man 
appeared  clothed  in  a  white  sack-like  garment  from  which 
Iris  head  and  a  pair  of  brawny  arms  emerged.  He  held  a 
plumb-line  which,  he  pressed  to  the  sides  of  the  cabinet  as 


32        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

though  measuring  it.  Then  suddenly  the  spectral  light 
went  out,  and  for  a  space  awesome  darkness  fell  upon  us ; 
followed  by  a  gradual  returning  of  the  lipht  of  day. 

During  the  darkness  the  room  semed  full  of  uncanny 
sounds,  such  as  a  number  of  rats  would  make  scratching, 
nibbling,  and  rushing  away  at  a  great  speed.  This  was 
quickly  succeeded  by  crashes  and  cracking,  and  to  my  utter 
bewilderment  the  precious  cabinet  collapsed,  scattering  its 
contents  on  the  floor.  I  felt  amazed  and  helpless — utterly 
at  a  loss  what  to  do.  I  did  not  understand  the  proceedings 
one  iota ;  therefore  I  did  not  move  until  a  whispered 
command  directed  me  to  secure  part  of  the  contents. 

I  obeyed  immediately;  and  placing  some  neatly  tied 
documents  in  my  pockets,  was  wondering  what  would  be 
expected  of  me  next,  when  I  found  myself  raised  and 
whirled  into  space;  and  travelling  at  such  speed  that  I 
imagined  I  must  be  many  miles  from  Hornsworth  Castle. 

I  must  have  fainted;  for  I  remember  nothing  more 
until  I  slowly  regained  consciousness  and  found  myself 
seated  in  the  interior  of  a  church. 

It  seemed  to  be  empty.  But  shortly  there  fell  upon 
my  ears  delicious  and  entrancing  melodies.  An  unseen 
organist  poured  forth  his  soul  in  music,  which  died  upon  a 
weird  and  wailing  note. 

For  an  appreciable  period  silence  reigned.  Then  sud- 
denly the  organ  recommenced  its  music  and  in  swelling 
tones  a  solemn  air  was  played,  and  voices  added  sweetness. 
A  number  of  choristers  evidently  took  part,  for  now  I 
observed  many  boys  in  white  surplices  parading  the  aisles 
and  singing  lustily.  I  also  noticed  candles  burning  upon 
the  altar;  nor  was  I  greatly  surprised  when  a  priest — the 
exact  likeness  of  Father  Piercy — came  forward,  his  aco- 
lytes swinging  incense  before  that  holy  place. 

It  was  all  most  absorbing ;  yet  I  wondered  why  I  had 
been  brought  hither,  and  was  lost  in  conjecture  regarding 
the  situation  when  came  a  sudden  change ;  the  cathedral, — 
its  beauty — its  music — its  occupants — were  all  blotted  out. 
And  I  again  experienced  the  remarkable  sensation  of  travel- 
ling rapidly  through  space. 

I  now  became  aware  that  I  was  sitting  in  Lord  Tem- 
pleton's  library.  But  a  sense  of  unreality  possessed  me, 
and  moving  to  assure  myself  of  facts,  I  heard  the  soft  tones 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        33 

of  Sir  Francis'  voice  and  felt  the  touch  of  his  cool,  firm 
hand  pass  lightly,  almost  caressingly,  over  my  brow. 

"Ah,  my  dear  Austin,  you  are  all  right  now.  We  have 
you  here  quite  safely!  You  see,"  he  continued,  "Father 
Piercy  was  rather  anxious  for  you  to  become  acquainted 
with  his  time-honored  place  of  worship  where  he  so  ably 
officiated  in  days  gone  by  when  he  resided  in  the  physical 
body  upon  your  mundane  sphere.  Eh,  Piercy? 

* l  Our  mission  has  been  most  successfully  accomplished, 
thanks  to  your  personal  aid ;  and  the  valuable  assistance  of 
these  spirit-gentlemen ;  for  which,  believe  me,  I  am 
extremely  grateful.  The  task,  however,  is  not  yet  complete ; 
will  you,  therefore,  finish  it  by  conveying  the  documents 
entrusted  to  you  to  your  private  study;  securely  fasten 
them  in  your  escritoire,  and  on  no  account  disturb  them 
without  my  permission?  I  have  every  confidence  in  you, 
Austin;  and  feel  sure  that  you  will  respect  my  wishes. 
And  now,  desiring  not  to  draw  too  much  upon  your  vital- 
ity, my  friends  and  I  will  leave  you.  Au  revoir!" 

With  these  words  the  ghost  and  his  companions  faded 
from  my  sight ;  and  a  great  loneliness  fell  upon  me. 

The  sound  of  an  enquiring  voice, — harsh  by  com- 
parison with  that  to  which  I  had  so  lately  listened,  brought 
me  back  to  the  material  world. 

"May  I  come  in,  sir?  Are  you  all  right,  sir?"  and 
without  waiting  for  permission  the  speaker  entered,  and 
gazing  upon  me  anxiously,  continued : 

"I  fancied  I  heard  the  bell  ring  just  now,  sir.  I 
answered  it,  and  found  you  fast  asleep — and  dreaming,  it 
seemed,  sir;  for  you  were  talking  quite  aloud.  I  imme- 
diately withdrew.  But  feeling  anxious  about  you,  sir,  I 
came  back  and  knocked  again  and  ventured  in.  I  trust  I 
have  not  disturbed  you,  sir ;  and  that  you  will  pardon  the 
intrusion  ? ' ' 

I  sprang  to  my  feet,  trying  to  collect  my  senses,  and 
stammered  out  some  lame  excuse  to  the  dignified,  if  obse- 
quious, old  butler  who  stood  in  the  doroway  regarding  me 
with  concern;  his  excellent  training  forbidding  him  to 
make  more  personal  remarks. 

My  conduct  must  certainly  have  appeared  most 
strange,  my  only  immediate  answer  being  to  feel  hastily 


34        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

in  the  breast  pockets  of  my  coat  to  assure  myself  of  the 
safety  of  the  precious  documents.  I  then  glanced  hurriedly 
and  apprehensively  round  the  room  to  where  the  beautiful 
cabinet  had  stood,  expecting  to  see  wreckage  and  disorder. 
To  my  amazement  and  relief  nothing  seemed  amiss,  nor 
from  outward  appearances  was  it  psosible  to  gather  that 
anything  untoward  had  happened  to  the  handsome  furni- 
ture. Had  it  not  been  for  the  undeniable  presence  of  those 
letters  in  my  pockets,  I  should  willingly  have  believed  I 
had  dreamed  the  whole  occurrence. 

As  diplomatically  as  I  could  I  lulled  any  suspicion  of 
strange  behaviour  on  my  part;  and  requested  the  butler 
to  ask  Mr.  Lennox  to  come  to  me  in  the  library. 

From  observation  I  had  decided  that  the  steward  was 
a  man  well-informed,  very  intelligent,  agreeable,  and  pos- 
sessed of  a  strong  personality.  On  his  arrival  I  talked  of 
various  matters  pertaining  to  the  traditions  of  Horns- 
worth,  and  steering  the  conversation  towards  the  super- 
natural, finally  enquired  if  the  Castle  boasted  a  Family 
Ghost. 

Mr.  Lennox  ridiculed,  but  did  not  directly  deny  the 
possibility.  In  the  excitement  of  discussion  I  disclosed 
some  of  the  truths  concerning  my  marvellous  experiences 
with  spirit-people.  I  thought  my  listener  rather  sarcastic 
once  or  twice;  but  ultimately  he  confessed  that  Horns- 
worth  really  had  the  reputation  of  being  haunted;  and 
that  chiefly  on  that  account  Lord  and  Lady  Templeton 
avoided  living  there  as  much  as  possible. 

He  took  pains,  however,  to  assure  me  that  he  person- 
ally had  never  seen  or  heard  of  a  supernatural  character, — 
"nor  for  that  matter  has  Lord  Templeton;  but  the  same 
cannot  be  said  truthfully  of  her  Ladyship,  who  is  of  a 
nervous,  excitable  temperament,  and  often  declares  that  she 
can  see  and  hear  things  which  other  people  cannot." 

"T  should  say,  Mr.  Austin,'  he  remarked  after  a  short 
pause,  "that  imagination  plays  a  great  part  in  these  super- 
stitious matters.  And  ladies,  being  weaker  both  mentally 
and  physically,  often  become  hysterical,  and  jump  to  the 
conclusion  that  they  see  spectres,  or  apparitions.  I  am, 
therefore,  surprised  to  hear  you  defend  the  belief  and 
affirm  that  you,  also,  have  seen  ghosts. " 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        35 

"I  beg  to  reiterate  that  assertion,"  I  replied  rather 
sharply.  For,  to  tell  the  truth,  I  resented  the  inference 
that  weakness  of  mentality,  or  hysteria,  are  essential  quali- 
fications to  seeing  ghosts.  "I  am  proud  to  state  that  I 
have  both  seen  and  conversed — many  times — with  invisible 
beings,  usually  termed  ghosts.  And  I  must  say  that  I 
have  invariably  found  them  highly  intelligent,  if  not  intel- 
lectual. And  in  one  case,  to  my  knowledge,  a  positively 
charming  and  cultured  being  has  manifested  to  me  innu- 
merable times. 

"Now,  Mr.  Lennox,  I  do  not  suffer  from  hallucina- 
tions, or  mental  aberration,  nor  do  I  consider  myself  at  all 
weak-minded.  Yet  I  am  absolutely  certain  that  I  have 
conversed  familiarly  with  an  ancester  of  Lord  Templeton, 
quiet  recently." 

"Indeed." 

"Yes,"  I  continued,  with  increasing  warmth.  "I  might 
say,  indeed,  that  my  visit  to  Hornsworth  is  due  to  Sir 
Francis  Whynn — that  it  is  he  who  is  mainly  responsible 
for  my  presence  here  today.  And  according  to  his  own 
account,  and  also  to  family  records,  he  has  been  "dead" 
over  two  hundred  years." 

"Pray  do  not  excite  yourself,  Mr.  Austin.  I  have  no 
desire  to  argue  about  it.  It  seems  to  me  to  be  purely  a 
matter  of  belief — or  fancy.  And  just  one  of  those  subjects 
which  cannot  be  settled  by  dispute.  However,  I  am  quite 
content  to  accept  your  statement  and  let  it  rest  at  that  for 
the  present."  And  with  a  somewhat  compasisonate  smile 
on  his  face,  Mr.  Lennox  took  his  leave. 

I  much  regretted  having  broached  the  subject;  but 
perhaps  I  was  influenced  to  do  so.  We  do  not  aliways 
realize  when  we  are. 

My  mission  having  been  accomplished  and  the  docu- 
ments now  safely  in  my  possession,  my  visit  to  Hornsworth 
drew  to  its  close. 

Judging  by  the  manner  of  the  Agent,  the  housekeeper, 
and  old  John,  it  would  seem  that  I  had  created  a  favour- 
able impression,  and  that  my  departure  was  regretted. 
Mr.  Lennox  drove  me  in  a  smart  dog-cart  to  the  railway 
station  and  waited  to  see  me  off.  In  due  course — amid 
snorts,  whistles  and  agonizing  shrieks — the  huge  locomo- 
tive started;  the  watchers  on  the  platform  waving  adieu 


36        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

to  their  respective  friends  became  smaller  and  smaller  and 
were  lost  to  sight.  I  took  my  last  look  at  the  beauty  of  the 
surrounding  country;  and  drawing  up  the  window  of  the 
first-class  compartment,  settled  myself  comfortably  in  its 
well-padded  seat,  and  gave  myself  up  to  solid  reflection  on 
the  incidents  of  my  visit  to  Hornsworth. 

Amongst  ohter  things,  I  cogitatted  upon  the  queer 
apparition  of  the  rough  spirit-man  who  used  his  plumb-line 
with  such  magical  results ;  and  gravely  wondered  if  he  had 
been  a  burglar  in  his  day  and  generation.  Thinking  thus 
recalled  a  story  which  a  friend  of  mine  relates:  His  busi- 
ness premises  were  cleverly  broken  into,  and  a  large  safe 
forced  open  and  rifled;  but  fortunately  the  thief  was 
captured  just  as  he  was  making  off  with  his  booty.  The 
surprising  part  of  the  tale  is  that  the  only  tools  found  in 
the  burglar's  possession  were  a  jemmy,  a  handful  of  nails, 
and  a  piece  of  copper  wire  Had  spirits  helped  him,  I 
wondered. 

But  then, — I  argued  to  myself,  as  I  followed  this  train 
of  thought, — that  kind  of  thing  is  altered  by  death,  of 
course.  Surely  there  is  no  necessity  for  burglars  to  prac- 
tice their  art  in  the  spirit  realm  ?  Yet  burglary  might  be 
useful  even  to  spirit-people,  for  when  one  comes  to  think 
of  it,  practically  speaking,  the  documents  now  in  my  pos- 
session were  stolen  by  that  spirit-man  and  me ! 

The  problem  became  too  perplexing — I  felt  I  had 
better  leave  it. 

I  now  became  aware  of  an  almost  insuperable  desire  to 
break  the  seals  and  view  the  contents  of  my  precious 
charge;  and  it  was  necessary  to  battle  fiercely  with  the 
temptation  in  order  not  to  yield  to  it.  But  I  am  thankful 
to  say  I  did  ultimately  triumph  over  it ;  and  when  I  at  last 
arrived  home,  it  was  with  the  seals  intact.  And  the  much- 
prized  documents  were  safely  deposited,  as  requested,  in 
my  desk;  to  be  removed  by  other  hands  than  mine. 

I  received  a  most  cordial  welcome  from  my  wife,  who, 
full  of  excitement  and  anticipation,  was  longing  to  hear  a 
detailed  account  of  my  visit  to  Westmorland.  We  talked 
together  for  hours,  and  I  told  her  everything  I  could 
remember  of  the  Castle,  and  its  people.  And  of  my  visitors 
from  the  Spirit  Universe. 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        37 

The  unabated  interest  with  which  she  listened,  and 
the  intelligent  comments  which  she  made  from  time  to  time, 
were  to  me  a  source  of  great  encouragement,  and  gratifi- 
cation. 


CHAPTER  III 

My  wife's  interest  in  Spiritual  Science  had  so  far 
developed,  and  her  attitude  towards  Sir  Francis  Whynu 
had  so  greatly  changed,  that  she  was  most  willing  to 
co-operate  with  me  in  arranging  for  a  series  of  meetings 
to  be  held  consecutively  throughout  the  Winter  months. 

We  decided  on  a  definite  number  of  Seances. 

To  these  we  invited  old,  and — we  fondly  imagined 
— tried  and  trusted  friends. 

Alas !  for  the  sacred  bond  of  friendship !  It  will  not 
always  bear  the  strain  of  dark  adversity — or  New  Ideas. 
At  least,  that  is  the  conclusion  I  am  driven  by  experience 
to  accept. 

The  Seances  began. 

And  now  commenced  a  truly  amazing  development 
of  physical  power  exhibited  by  spirit-people.  Who,  by 
their  knowledge  of  the  subtle  force  termed  "psychic", 
made  known  their  presence  in  unmistakable  manner. 

At  our  meetings  my  physical  organism  became  the 
instrument  of  quite  a  number  of  mysterious  manifesta- 
tions. There  were  heard  loud  and  startling  raps;  and 
sounds  incident  to  the  labours  of  a  carpenter, — such  as 
the  sawing  of  wood,  hammering  of  nails,  planing  and 
boring.  At  other  times  came  the  falling  of  heavy  weights ; 
the  ringing  noise  of  an  anvil  struck  with  tremendous 
force;  at  others,  the  melody  of  a  musical  instrument 
skillfully  played.  And  wearing  apparel,  ornaments,  pic- 
tures, and  so  forth,  would  be  removed  from  their  posi- 
tion and  taken  to  different  parts  of  the  house. 

Occasionally,  in  full  view  of  the  sitters,  small  ar- 
ticles would  be  taken  from  my  person, — such  as  keys, 
coins,  studs ;  a  tie  pin,  a  watch  and  chain.  These  things, 
leaving  their  places,  would  go  forth  towards  the  gath- 
ering,— greatly  to  the  alarm  of  the  ladies  present. 

By  no  means  did  we  keep  these  enigmatical  happen- 
ings secret;  all  our  intimate  friends  were  invited  to  be 
witnesses  of  these  marvels. 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whyiin,  Baronet         39 

About  this  time  I  made  the  discovery  that, — how- 
ever much  people  may  appear  to  respect,  and  unequiv- 
ocally accept  one 's  word  upon  mundane  matters ;  directly 
one  declares  belief  in  the  activity  of  those  called  "dead", 
the  genuineness  of  their  affirmations  and  acceptance  is 
severely  tested. 

I  was  soon  voted  a  "crank",  and  practically  called 
"insane"  by  those  who  had  known  me  all  my  life  and 
shared  my  hospitality  innumerable  times. 

They  went  further.  They  were  so  very  skeptical 
concerning  those  same  spiritual  marvels  that  they  openly 
declared  that  I  had  arranged  the  whole  affair, — fixing 
up  an  elaborate  apparatus  of  invisible  wires,  and  so  forth 
— in  order  to  deceive  them.  They  unanimously  declared 
me  to  be  a  fool  or  a  rogue.  And  this  from  those  who 
designated  themselves  my  "friends"! 
Ah,  me ! 

The  most  trying  part  was  that  no  amount  of  evi- 
dence or  argument  would  convince  them  that  their  con- 
clusions were  wrong. 

Finally,  therefore,  I  refused  to  have  anything  more 
to  do  with  such  intolerant  persons.  And  in  a  paper  de- 
voted to  Spiritual  Science  I  advertised  for  honest  investi- 
gators. 

The  result  proved  most  satisfactory.  Thenceforth, 
with  a  number  of  earnest  truth-seekers  around,  my  me- 
diumship  grew  apace. 

I  should  like  my  readers  to  understand  that  all  re- 
plies were  not  accepted.  No!  not  by  any  means.  The 
letters  were  all  most  carefully  examined;  and  only  those 
selected  by  spirit  direction  were  permitted  to  attend  the 
sittings. 

The  Spirit-persons  who  are  most  regularly  in  com- 
munication with  a  Medium  are  spoken  of  as  "Counsel- 
lors", "Familiar  Spirits"  or  "Guides". 

Hence  those  spirit-men  to  whom  Sir  Francis  intro- 
duced me, — namely,  Father  Piercy,  Rochester  Hilton,  and 
Dr.  Kellier, — became  as  elder  brothers.  Giving  me  al- 
ways their  protection  and  instruction ;  and  introducing 
me  to  bright  and  beautiful  angel  forms,  who  demon5- 
strated  from  time  to  time  their  proximity  by  material- 
izing fully.  Revealing  their  presence  chiefly  by  the  use 


40        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

of  a  phosphorescent  disc, — or  slate,  and  the  aid  of  a  ruby 
lamp. 

The  luminous  slate  and  the  crimson  lamp  were  the 
only  material  accessories  the  spirit-people  asked  me  to 
employ. 

Surrounded  now  by  seekers  after  knowledge  of  the 
occult  life,  our  Seances  met  with  results  beyond  all  ex- 
pectation— the  manifestations  being  of  a  really  perfect 
order. 

With  regard  to  spiritual  phenomena,  I  am,  indeed, 
but  a  neophyte;  the  little  I  know  has,  in  truth,  been 
forced  upo  me  by  spirit-beings.  I  did  not  seek  the  living 
dead;  without  my  invocation  they  discovered  me.  And 
in  spite  (at  first)  of  protest,  insisted  on  enlightening  me 
concerning  their  spiritual  existence,  for  which  I  am  now 
truly  grateful. 

And, — without  egotism,  I  may  say  that  my  medium- 
ship  has  unfolded  until  many  marvels  were  transmitted 
through  me.  Amongst  which  were  levitation,  floating, 
matter  passing  through  matter,  direct  speaking  and  writ- 
ing; and  other  forms  of  psychic  power. 

And  many  loved  friends  of  those  investigating — 
friends  who  had  passed  the  gates  of  death — made  their 
presence  convincingly  felt  and  seen.  On  such  occasions 
I  was  often  bound  and  fastened  in  a  wire  cage;  and 
therefore,  could  in  no  way  help  in  these  direct  mani- 
festations; which  were  incontestably  genuine. 

The  band  of  "Guides"  was  presently  augmented  by 
a  jolly  spirit-man, — a  French  clown,  named  Adolphe, — 
who  always  caused  much  diversion.  He  was  usually  ac- 
companied by  a  stoical  Maori  Chief,  called  Tomshaw, 
who  invariably  developed  for  inspection  in  full  war  array 
decorated  with  a  number  of  weapons. 

"Literally  dressed  to  kill!"  Adolphe  declared. 

Despite  the  comical  contrast  of  these  two,  the  man- 
ifestations were  considered  marvellous ;  the  grim  old  New 
Zealand  Chief  in  his  fearsome,  primitive  costume,  and 
Adolphe  in  his  funny,  clownish  garb,  both  wonderful  in 
a  weird  fashion. 

About  this  time  there  came  into  our  circle,  by  spir- 
itual request,  two  wealthy  foreigners,  connected,  it  was 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet         // 

said,  with  the  Russian  Embassy.  Following  their  advent 
spirits  of  a  decidedly  military  aspect  began  to  appear. 

Also,  to  the  number  of  guides  were  added  two  lovely 
and  delightful  females — one,  giving  the  name  of  Valerie ; 
the  other,  a  young  girl  calling  herself  Virginia — who 
charmed  and  interested  the  sitters  beyond  expression. 

Our  meetings,  having  exceeded  the  original  num- 
ber, had  lasted  through  the  Winter  and  well  on  into  the 
Spring.  Summer  was  now  approaching.  The  gentlemen 
from  the  Russian  Embassy  were  returning  to  their  na- 
tive land.  And  it  was  decided  that  the  sittings  should 
be  discontinued  for  a  period. 


CHAPTER  IV 

The  early  Autumn  brought  me  an  important  foreign 
communication. 

It  was  penned  by  Baron  Milhail  Ortinsky,  and  pur- 
ported to  be  an  invitation  from  the  Czar  of  Russia ! 

It  was  a  request  that  I  would  visit  the  Russian  Court, 
to  enable  the  Emperor  and  Empress  to  witness  the  won- 
derful manifestations  which  occurred  through  my  me- 
diumship. 

At  the  same  time  came  a  letter  from  Lord  Templeton 
desiring  me  to  go  immediately  to  Hornsworth  Castle. 

I  had  no  hesitation  in  accepting  Lord  Templeton 's 
invitation;  but  experienced  the  greatest  difficulty  in  de- 
ciding for,  or  against,  the  call  to  Russia. 

I  pleaded  the  length  of  the  journey;  the  difficulties 
of  travel, — the  season;  and  also,  domestic  reasons. 

The  reply  to  all  this  was  an  imperative  note,  signed 
by  the  Czar  himself,  commanding  me  to  visit  him,  as  soon 
as  possible,  at  his  Winter  Palace  in  Moscow.  With  it 
was  a  letter  from  Baron  Ortinsky,  stating  that  all  ex- 
penses connected  with  my  transit  to  Russia  would  be 
amply  covered,  and  those  of  my  wife, — should  she  desire 
toaccompany  me ;  that  every  arrangement  would  be  made 
for  our  comfort,  and  that  no  refusal  would  be  accepted. 

I  therefore,  re-considered  my  decision;  and  finally 
submitted  to  His  Imperial  Majesty's  command. 

But  before  going  to  Russia  I  visited  Lord  William 
Templeton,  whom  I  found  to  be  an  exceptionally  agree- 
able man,  and  very  easy  to  get  on  with.  Lady  Temple- 
ton  was  less  affable;  she  appeared  to  me  rather  cold, 
self-opinionated  and  distant.  Nevertheless,  I  must  not 
complain  altogether  of  her  demeanour  towards  me;  she 
could,  I  found,  be  very  gracious  when  she  pleased. 

As  Lord  Templeton  engaged  me  after  dinner  "  across 
the  walnuts  and  the  wine,"  I  discovered  his  special  rea- 
son for  desiring  my  presence  was  that  he  had  heard  from 
Mr.  Lennox  that  I  was  somewhat  versed  in  ghost-lore. 


Hie  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        4? 

"Ah,  by  the  way,  Mr.  Austin,"  he  remarked,  "I  un- 
derstand that  you  believe  in  ghosts?" 

"Yes,  my  Lord,  I  do.  It  was,  indeed,  a  very  special 
ghost  who  first  induced  me  to  write  to  you  for  permis- 
sion to  visit  Hornsworth  Castle." 

"Really,"  replied  Lord  Templeton.  "How  very  in- 
teresting! Have  you  any  objection  to  telling  me  the 
story?" 

"Not  in  the  least,  my  Lord.  The  ghost  in  question 
should  be  well  known  by  name  to  you.  He  is  indeed  a 
remote  ancestor  of  yours,  named  Whynn.  He  calls  him- 
self 'Sir  Francis  Whynn.'  Is  not  Whynn  one  of  your 
race,  my  Lord?" 

"Yes,  certainly.  The  name  of  Whynn  appears  in 
the  family  tree.  His  half-sister,  Lady  Ann  Templeton, 
nee  Whynn,  is  a  direct  ancestress  of  mine." 

"It  was,  my  Lord,  at  the  urgent  request  of  Sir 
Francis  Whynn  that  I  came  to  Hornsworth  Castle  last 
Autumn; — and  for  a  specific  purpose.  Though  previous 
to  his  visitations  and  advice,  I  must  confess,  I  did  not 
know  of  its  existence.  I  followed  his  directions;  and 
during  my  visit  witnessed  extraordinary  happenings, 
which,  at  present,  I  am  not  permitted  to  disclose." 

"Quite  so,  Mr.  Austin.  I  shall  not  press  you.  I  do 
not  in  the  least  doubt  your  word  respecting  your  ghostly 
orders.  My  own  peculiar  experience  with  the  conduct 
of  such  beings  precludes  my  doing  so.  Re-fill  your  glass, 
have  a  cigar,  and  tell  me  the  whole  story." 

"Many  thanks,  my  Lord,  but  I  rarely  smoke,  and  I 
drink  but  little  wine." 

"All  right,  then.     Tell  me  the  story." 

"I  shall  be  delighted,  my  Lord,  to  unfold  all  I  can 
concerning  that  most  interesting  phantom;  although  I 
am  not  at  liberty  to  reveal  his  motives, ' ' — and  I  proceeded 
with  a  full  account  of  my  first  meeting  with  Sir  Francis 
Whynn  and  the  numerous  interviews  which  followed. 

"I  can  quite  believe  all  you  have  told  me,  Mr.  Aus- 
tin," was  his  Lordship's  comment.  "And  I  don't  mind 
confessing  to  you  that  Lady  Templeton  had  been — is 
still,  in  fact, — persistently  haunted  by  a  ghost,  who,  much 
to  our  annoyance,  compels  her  to  listen  to  a  recital  of 


44        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

what  he  calls  his  wrongs.  He  declares  he  has  been  in- 
jured by  someone  connected  with  the  Templeton  family; 
and  that  he  is  seeking  revenge.  He  asserts  that  papers 
relating  to  the  affair  are  hidden  in  a  rather  pretty  cabinet 
we  possess.  We  have  searched  most  carefully,  but  can 
find  no  vestige  of  papers  of  any  kind." 

"Of  course  not!  my  Lord,"  I  exclaimed.  "They 
have  been  removed."  "At  least,"  I  added,  instantly  re- 
gretting my  impulsive  utterance, — "so  I  am  given  to  un- 
derstand. ' ' 

Without  noticing  the  lameness  of  the  latter  part  of 
my  remark  Lord  Templeton  continued: 

"Then  you  fancy  there  really  is  some  truth  in  the 
tiresome  phantom's  story?" 

"It  seems  probable,  my  Lord.  I  feel  that  there  is 
a  mystery  attached  to  some  documents  that  once  reposed 
in  a  secret  receptacle  somewhere  in  the  Castle — is  the 
cabinet  you  mentioned,  here,  my  Lord?" 

"Oh,  yes;  it  is  still  in  the  library.  You  might  like 
to  know  how  it  came  into  the  family  possession.  I  must 
admit  I  am  somewhat  at  a  loss  to  understand  how  you 
come  to  hear  about  the  missing  papers,  Mr.  Austin?"  I 
made  no  reply ;  and  Lord  Templeton  went  on. — ' '  The  late 
Sir  Francis  Whynn,  of  whom  we  are  speaking,  was  born 
at  Llangollen  Castle  quite  two  hundred  and  fifty  years 
ago  and  died  abroad  at  the  age  of  twenty-seven.  There 
appears  to  have  been  something  tragic  in  his  death, — 
the  nature  of  which  is  not  exactly  known.  His  father, 
Sir  David  ,was  twice  married ;  there  were  children  by  each 
marriage.  Ann,  the  daughter  of  the  first  wife,  married 
Lord  Hector  Templeeton  and  bore  him  many  children; 
the  eldest  of  whom — a  son — is  my  direct  ancestor. 

"Francis  was  the  only  son  of  the  second  wife,  and 
came  into  the  Baronetcy  at  the  age  of  nineteen.  At  the 
time  of  his  succession  he  seems  to  have  been  traveling  on 
the  Continent  accompanied  by  a  trusted  tutor.  He  was 
recalled  by  his  father 's  death  to  take  up  his  position  as 
head  of  the  family,  and  owner  of  a  considerable  estate 
in  Wales.  His  conduct  towards  his  tenants  and  peas- 
antry was  marked  by  justice  and  consideration.  Many 
improvements  resulted;  and  he  was  held  in  great  affec- 
tion by  his  tenantry.  But  having  formed  a  taste  for 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        4-5 

travel ;  after  a  few  years  spent  on  the  improvement  of  his 
land  and  the  betterment  of  his  people,  he  returned  to 
the  Continent. 

"From  that  time  his  history  becomes  obscure,  and 
nothing  definite  is  known  beyond  his  letters  to  his  half- 
sister,  Lady  Ann, — who  loved  him  devotedly,  and  sin- 
cerely mourned  his  absence  from  their  country;  and  who 
almost  died  of  grief  when  she  heard  of  his  untimely  end. 

"By  her  wish  his  body  was  brought  from  Italy  and 
laid  in  the  Chapel  of  Llangollen  Castle.  In  Lady  Ann's 
diary  is  also  mentioned  the  advent  of  the  walnut  cabinet, 
sent  her  from  Rome  by  General  Stanhope;  containing,  it 
was  said,  defamatory  statements  concerning  her  brother's 
life  abroad.  Attached  to  the  cabinet  were  a  key  and  a 
label;  upon  the  label  were  inscribed  symbols  directing 
the  manipulation  of  the  key. 

"Whether  Lady  Ann  opened  the  secret  drawer,  or 
not,  cannot  as  yet  be  determined — she  makes  no  further 
reference  in  her  diary  to  the  cabinet.  I  intend  to  leave  no 
stone  unturned,  ho\vever ;  but  to  discover  those  papers,  if 
possible. 

"And  if,  by  your  occult  powers,  Mr.  Austin,  you 
could  obtain  tidings  of  the  key;  I  should  be  under  the 
greatest  obligation  to  you." 

As  I  listened,  a  strange,  unaccountable  tremor  seized 
me ;  and  a  strong  desire  came  upon  me  to  visit  the  library 
at  once;  so  I  replied: 

"I  shall  be  delighted  to  assist  you  occultly,  if  I  can, 
my  Lord.  And  I  should  very  much  like  to  view  the  inter- 
esting and  remarkable  cabinet." 

We  repaired  immediately  to  the  library  and  had 
scarcely  reached  it  when  strange  noises  startled  us — 
cracking  and  creaking  of  a  most  eerie  character.  On 
entering  the  room  we  were  amazed  by  a  terrific  bang  in 
the  direction  of  the  walnut  cabinet.  Then,  to  our  aston- 
ishment, wre  saw  two  small  doors  open  towards  us ;  and  a 
shelf  tilt  forward,  as  though  worked  upon  a  spring. 
Upon  the  floor  there  dropped — apparently  out  of  space — 
a  bundle  of  documents  wrhich  I  immediately  recognized  as 
the  very  packets  I  thought  were  securely  fastened  in  my 
escrotoire  at  home ! ! 


46        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

A  blinding  dizziness  seized  me,  causing  me  to  stagger 
against  the  wall  and  cling  to  it  for  support.  I  learned 
later  I  had  been  the  instrument  for  the  physical  mani- 
festation. 

Just  then  a  door  opened  suddenly,  and  Lady  Temple- 
ton  entered,  demanding  to  know  what  had  happened. 

"Nothing  serious,  my  dear/'  replied  Lord  Temple- 
ton,  quietly,  as  stooping  he  secured  the  fallen  documents 
and  advanced  to  meet  his  wife.  "I  will  endeavour  to  ex- 
plain the  unusual  sounds  which,  no  doubt,  you  heard,  my 
love.  They  were  caused  by  some  psychic  force ;  and  some- 
thing, or  someone,  precipitated  this  packet "  (extending 
it  towards  her)  "in  a  most  mysterious  manner,  out  of 
space. ' ' 

"Heavens,  William!  What  have  you  been  doing ?" 
exclaimed  her  ladyship,  "Surely  you  are  not  tampering 
with  invisible  powers?  It  is  a  dangerous  pastime  at  best; 
and  you  know  my  strong  aversion  to  such  practices. ' ' 

"Be  assured,  my  darling,  I  will  tamper  with  nothing 
of  an  unpleasant  character,  if  I  can  possibly  avoid  so  do- 
ing," replied  Lord  Templeton. 

"I  am  glad  to  hear  you  say  so,  William,"  answered 
her  Ladyship,  "But  tell  me,  were  you  not  invoking  psy- 
chic aid  when  this  occurred?" 

4 '  No,  my  dear.  Mr.  Austin  and  I  had  scarcely  en- 
tered the  library  when  this  amazing  thing  happened." 

"It  is  really  most  mysterious, ' '  Lady  Templeton  per- 
sisted, "Because  the  Voice  warned  me  that  something  of 
this  nature  would  take  place;  and  assured  me  that  im- 
portant secret  papers  had  been  disturbed;  and  that  Mr. 
Austin  was  the  instrument  for  this  purpose.  And  I  now 
find  on  entering  the  library  that  a  great  deal  of  the 
warning  is  quite  true.  Therefore  I  must  request  Mr.  Aus- 
tin to  apologize  for  his  intrusion  and  interference ;  and  I 
hope,  William,  you  will  arrange  for  him  to  leave  immedi- 
ately." 

"I  am  extremely  sorry,  my  Lady,  if  my  presence 
causes  you  annoyance,"  I  stammered, — crimson  and  con- 
fused. "But  if  you  will  permit  me, — I  will  endeavour  to 
explain " 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        47 

4 'Marion,  my  love, "  interposed  Lord  Templeton,  "Mr. 
Austin  is  our  guest.  And  he  has  in  no  way  infringed  the 
laws  of  hospitality.  There  is  no  reason  for  such  severity. ' ' 

"I  am  afraid,  William,  I  am  the  more  competent 
judge.  Will  you  please  ask  him  to  account  for  his  ex- 
traordinary conduct  respecting  the  stolen  documents?  I 
should  very  much  like  to  know  his  reason  for  assisting  in 
the  theft. " 

Lady  Templeton 's  words  transfixed  me  with  amaze- 
ment,— her  accusation  was  astounding!  I  endeavoured  to 
clear  myself  hy  uttering  an  incoherent  statement  protest- 
ing my  innocence  of  evil  intent. 

" Marion,  my  dear,"  remonstrated  Lord  Templeton, 
"pray  calm  yourself.  I  wish  you  would  realize  that  Mr. 
Austin's  priceless  knowledge  of  the  supernormal  can  im- 
mensely asist  us  in  making  important  discoveries  concern- 
ing that  voice  which  has  troubled  us  both  for  years.  There- 
fore, I  beg  of  you,  Marion,  leave  us  together  for  awhile." 
Thus  saying,  he  opened  for  her  the  door  through  which 
her  Ladyship  had  entered ;  and  closing  it  after  her,  turned 
to  me  with  profuse  apologies  for  accusations. 

'  "I  beg  you  will  not  think  that  I  agree  with  anything 
which  has  been  uttered  to  your  discredit,  Mr.  Austin.  I 
feel  confident  you  would  not  practice  deception  upon  us. 
Nor,  indeed,  does  it  seem  that  there  could  have  been  any 
opportunity,  had  you  so  desired." 

"Wait,  my  Lord!  I  may  be  less  innocent  than  you 
imagine;  and  Lady  Templeton  may  not  be  so  far  wrong 
after  all.  Let  me  explain  my  position." 

And  I  hurriedly  related  all  I  knew  in  connection  witb 
the  annoying  papers. 

Lord  Templeton 's  incredulous  gaze  was  fixed  upon  me ; 
and  before  I  could  add  anything  to  my  story, — or  his 
thoughts  find  utterance,  I  felt  consciousness  slipping  from 
me.  I  semed  to  be  enveloped  in  a  mist  and  lost  all  knowl- 
edge of  material  things. 

On  coming  to  myself  I  found  Lord  Templeton  bending 
over  me;  his  worn,  kindly  face  very  close  to  mine. 

"Better  now,  Mr.  Austin?"  he  enquired  solicitously, 
as  I  gazed  at  him  in  bewilderment. 

"I  don't  know,"  I  answered.  "I  feel  very  strange — 
what  has  happened?" 


4-8        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

"You  have  been  entranced  and  controlled.  And  I 
have  had  a  long,  and  intensely  interesting  conversation 
with  the  spirit  of  Francis  Whynn.  Through  you  he  has 
given  me  valuable — most  valuable — information. 

i  i  Your  mediumship  must  be  of  a  remarkably  high 
order,  Mr.  Austin.  Your  Spirit-guides  have  told  me  that 
your  psychic  powers  are  of  the  greatest  value  to  your 
Control  and  to  the  spirit-friends  who  use  you.  I  will  not 
weary  you  now,  but  I  must  tell  you  that  the  psychic  terms 
I  use  were  given  to  me  during  your  trance,  and  that  your 
amiable  Control  has  most  kindly  advised  me  upon  an  expe- 
idtious  method  of  riding  ourselves  of  the  annoying  spirit 
who  has  haunted  Lady  Templeton  and  Hornsworth  for  so 
many  weary  years. 

"I  am  unable  to  adequately  express  my  gratitude  for 
the  privilege  of  meeting  you,  Mr.  Austin ;  and  your  won- 
derful Control." 

As  may  be  imagined,  I,  also,  felt  grateful  and  delighted 
at  the  happy  turn  of  events. 

And  next  day,  on  leaving  Hornsworth  Castle,  I  was 
in  an  excellent  frame  of  mind.  Well  satisfied  that,  in  spite 
of  Lady  Templeton 's  prejudice  against  me,  attributed — 
|md  rightly,  I  believe — to  spirit  influence,  I  had  been  the 
instrument  of  beneficial  labour. 

My  perplexity  concerning  the  reappearance  of  the 
documents  in  such  a  mysterious  manner,  I  wisely  decided 
to  leave  until  I  should  receive  an  explanation  from  my 
beloved  Sir  Francis  Whynn. 


CHAPTER  V 

There  was  now  the  Russian  visit  to  consider.  Still 
feeling  unwilling  to  face  the  ordeal,  I  was  debating  my 
course  of  action;  when  I  received  a  further,  impressive 
message  from  Baron  Ortinsky;  saying  that  the  Czar  was 
anxiously  awaiting  my  presence,  and  proof  of  my  medium- 
ship,  and  requesting  me  to  start  imemdiately  for  Russia. 

Permitting  this  letter  to  decide  me,  I  put  my  house  in 
order;  and  accompanied  by  Mrs.  Austin,  began  the  jour- 
ney. We  crossed  from  London  to  Ostend,  and  thence  pro- 
ceeded overland  through  Germany  to  Russia. 

I  will  pass  over  the  incidents  en  route,  attempting  no 
description  of  the  journey ;  but  by  remarking  that  we  were 
not  altogether  charmed  with  the  Russian  country.  The 
whole  place  appeared  to  be  dominated  by  red-tape  official- 
ism which  made  it  very  inconvenient  for  ordinary  travel- 
lers. Though  we,  certainly,  had  no  reason  to  complain  of 
the  passports  supplied  to  us.  They  were  a  veritable '  *  Open 
Sesame;"  a  talisman  for  all  the  might-have-been  difficult- 
ies of  the  way,  naturally  the  Government  officials  were 
impressed  by  them,  and  were  accordingly  most  civil.  And, 
indeed,  the  politeness  we  received  everywhere  was  most 
gratifying  and  remarkable,  due — I  feel  sure — to  the  fact 
that  our  passports  bore  the  Imperial  signature. 

These  things  occurred  in  1903. 

On  arriving  at  Moscow,  my  wife  and  I  were  greatly 
affected  by  the  sublime  magnificence  of  the  Czar's  Winter 
Palace.  It  completely  entranced  us  when  we  first  made 
acquaintance  with  it;  but  by  degrees  we  grew  accustomed 
to  the  splendours  of  our  surroundings. 

Baron  Ortinsky  was  solicitous  for  our  personal  com- 
fort; and  gave  all  possible  orders  respecting  our  require- 
ments. Fortunately  for  us  both  he  spoke  English  well, 
which  greatly  added  to  our  ease,  and  interest;  and  the 
pleasantness  of  our  visit. 

The  Baron  coached  us  carefully  in  the  necessary  points 
of  etiquette.  So  that,  when  at  last  the  great  moment 


50        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

arrived,  my  wife  and  I  conducted  ourselves  correctly  on 
our  presentation  to  Their  Imperial  Majesties,  the  Czar  and 
the  Czarina. 

We  were  most  affably  and  kindly  received;  and  re- 
turned from  the  august  audience  filled  with  the  conviction 
that  the  Czar  and  Crazina  were  a  delightful,  charming, 
noble  and  gracious  pair. 

By  His  Majesty's  command  I  was  to  hold  a  seance  on 
the  evening  following  our  presentation. 

In  order  to  prepare  myself  for  such  an  important 
occasion,  I  locked  myself  in  the  study  set  apart  for  my 
especial  use,  where,  resting  in  the  comfort  of  its  quiet 
and  rich  seclusion,  I  invoked  the  presence  and  aid  of 
those  ministering  angels  whose  plastic  instrument  I  be- 
lieved myself  to  be. 

Earnestly  I  prayed  that  my  familiar  spirit  and  inti- 
mate Control  would — as  he  had  so  often  in  the  past — 
directly  manifest. 

Waiting  thus,  I  tried  to  decipher  the  peculiar  calig- 
raphy  of  a  missive  recently  delivered  to  me,  and  purport- 
ing to  be  in  English.  But  try  as  I  would,  I  could  not 
read  it.  The  signature  only  was  intelligible  to  me-^- 
" Alexander  Vasily  Rusakoff." 

Suddenly — to  my  unbounded  delight — there  fell  upon 
my  ear  the  slight  rustling  sound  so  closely  associated  with 
the  presence  of  my  chief  control;  my  heart  began  to  beat 
fast  with  pleasurable  anticipation  and,  raising  my  eyes 
expectantly  from  perusal  of  the  letter,  I  encountered  the 
merry  gaze  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn. 

" Still  studying,  Austin/'  he  observed.  "Though  I 
see  the  matter  in  hand  is  beyond  you  this  time.  Permit 
me  to  be  interpreter,"  and,  without  giving  time  for  a 
reply,  or  appearing  even  to  read  the  letter,  he  continued, 
"This  is  written  by  one  General  Alexander  Rusakoff,  and 
says:  'Sir,  I  should  esteem  it  a  favour  if,  by  your  occult 
powers,  you  could  discover,  and  assist  in  bringing  to  jus- 
tice, the  assassins  of  my  brother,  Count  Gregory  Rusakoff, 
who  was  foully  murdered  in  his  bed-chamber  three  years 
ago.  I  shall  be  greatly  obliged  by  your  assistance.  It  is 
believed  that  Nihilists  have  been  the  perpetrators  of  the 
dastardly  crime.  Alexander  RusakoftV  M 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whvnn,  Baronet        51 

"Dear  me,  that's  cool!  The  gallant  General  has  set 
you  a  very  difficult  task,  Austin.  It  is  quite  evident  that 
he  knows  more  about  warfare  than  mediumship.  Now,  if 
you  are  willing  to  be  advised  by  me,  I  should  say  deci- 
sively :  Have  as  little  as  possible  to  do  with  such  investi- 
gations; keep  off  the  Fortune-telling  plane/' 

"Without  your  full  sanction,  Sir  Francis,"  I  hastened 
to  assure  him,  ' '  I  would  never  dream  of  aiding  sensational 
investigations." 

"That  is  well!"  he  replied.  "I  see  you  are  wise  in 
your  generation,  Austin,  old  fellow ! ' ' 

"Now,  I  must  tell  you  that  we,  my  friends  and  I,  have 
an  important  task  before  us. 

* '  At  the  coming  seance  we  intend  to  present  the  doctrine 
of  Spirit-return — which  is  the  ancient  belief  in  the  direct 
manifestation  of  the  so-called  Dead — in  a  manner  which 
will  leave  no  room  for  doubt.  For  this  purpose  we  have 
gathered  together  a  special  band  of  controls,  some  of  whom 
are  clever  magnetizers  and  linguists.  They  will  be  under 
the  personal  direction  of  such  noted  Spirit-beings  as  Father 
Piercy,  Dr.  Kellier,  Rochester  Hilton  and  others. 

"The  important  labor  of  preparing  the  room  for  the 
seance  and  arranging  for  the  presence  of  spirit-friends  of 
august  personages,  is  now  progressing.  For  such  a  great 
occasion  you  also,  as  our  medium,  must  be  very  specially 
strengthened.  The  spirit-magnetizers  will  work  upon  you 
before  the  sitting.  And,  let  me  beg  of  you,  do  not  swallow 
too  much  of  that  pernicious  black  mixture  stewing  in  the 
samovar  there,  termed  'tea.'  An  excess  will  injure  your 
delicate  nerves,  which  it  is  my  duty  to  protect,  if  possible ! 

"Now  keep  up  your  courage,  Austin.  All  will  be  well/' 

With  these  words  he  faded  from  my  sight.  Leaving  me 
cheered,  though  anxious  still,  lest  at  the  important  hour  my 
mediumship  should  fail  me  or  fall  below  the  best. 

Once  more  alone  I  reflected  upon  the  experience  of  the 
past.  Recalling  how  from  time  to  time  truths  have  been 
borne  in  upon  me  respecting  spiritual  matters,  truths  which 
are  marvellous.  Through  which  I  have  discovered  that 
spirit-power,  namely,  reserved  or  unseen  forces,  can  be 
evolved,  prepared  and  conveyed  from  place  to  place,  and 
by  means  thereof,  under  the  direction  of  invisible  intelli- 
gences, extraordinary  manifestations  can  occur. 


52        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

"If  only",  I  said,  speaking  aloud  my  thoughts,  "one 
could  realize  fully  what  Sir  Francis  expresses  so  often, 
that  'The  Spiritual  realm  into  which  we  enter  through 
the  change  named  Death  is  a  replica  of  this;  and  therefore 
the  very  human  world'.  But  our  early  training  and  con- 
ditions lead  us  to  very  different  conclusions  and  cause  us 
to  believe  the  departed  who  die  in  holy  faith  are  at  once 
transformed  into  angels.  This,  of  course,  is  more  particu- 
larly true  of  Calvinism,  Evangelism  and  Noncomformity 
generally  than  of  the  other  forms  of  Christianity.  For 
both  the  Anglican  and  the  Roman  Catholic  Churches  be- 
lieve in  an  intermediate  state. ' ' 

My  meditations  were  interrupted  by  a  message  from 
the  Countess  Olga  Androvisky,  maid  of  honor  to  the 
Czarina,  requesting  a  private  interview.  Not  knowing  how 
to  refuse  I  acceeded  to  the  lady's  request. 

I  was  conscious  of  a  little  flutter  of  excitement  and  I 
must  admit  that  on  her  arrival  I  was  somewhat  over- 
whelmed at  finding  myself  alone  in  the  immediate  presence 
of  an  acknowledged  court  beauty. 

To  my  consternation  I  learned  that  the  lovely  countess, 
like  the  brave  general,  imagined  me  to  be  a  first-rate  For- 
tune-teller. And  were  I  to  reveal  the  object  of  her  mission 
I  should,  I  fear,  be  making  public  an  important  court  secret. 

A  few  minutes  later  I  was  bowing  out  in  my  very  best 
manner  a  lady  whose  beauty  was  heightened,  rather  than 
diminished,  by  her  palpable  annoyance. 

After  this  experience  I  was  decidedly  "not  at  home" 
to  any  applicants  whosoever. 

I  do  not  think  I  can  ever  forget  my  first  seance  held 
in  the  presence  of  an  imperial  assembly. 

On  entering  the  room,  which,  according  to  directions, 
had  been  furnished  with  a  curtained  cabinet  containing  a 
couch  and  chair,  my  heart  beat  almost  to  suffocation.  This 
was  followed  immediately  by  a  remarkable  calmness. 

Making  my  obeisance  to  the  Czar  and  Czarina  and 
their  distinguished  circle — amongst  whom  I  noticed  Baron 
Ortinsky,  I  entered  the  cabinet  with  a  firm  step. 

By  gracious  invitation  of  the  Czar,  Mrs.  Austin  also 
was  present.  And  the  knowledge  that  my  wife  and  Baron 
Ortinsky  both  thoroughly  appreciated  and  believed  in 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        53 

Spiritual  Science,  and  would  be  in  harmony  with  the  wishes 
of  my  spirit-guides,  enabled  me  to  give  myself  at  once  to 
spirit-influences. 

I  quickly  fell  into  a  trance-like  sleep,  during  which  I 
was  absolutely  unconscious  of  external  happenings. 

At  the  end  of  a  long  trance  I  was  still  in  the  cabinet. 
As  I  slowly  regained  consciousness  I  could  feel  myself  be- 
ing magnetized  by  spirit-people  and  I  heard  the  low,  sweet 
voice  of  my  chief  control,  saying  encouragingly: 

"Do  not  fear,  Austin;  you  are  all  right  now.  The 
seance  has  been  a  magnificent  success!  Keep  up  your 
heart,  old  fellow !  We  shall  all  turn  up  trumps ! ' ' 

And  before  I  could  frame  a  reply  Sir  Francis  was 
gone. 

I  essayed  to  rise  and  to  move  from  the  cabinet.  At 
that  moment  Baron  Ortinsky  entered  enquiring  solicit- 
ously: "Mr.  Austin,  are  you  quite  conscious  yet?" 

I  answered  that  I  felt  normal  but  rather  weak. 

The  baron  hastened  to  my  assistance  and  as  he  led  me 
from  the  cabinet  he  informed  me  that  their  Imperial  Ma- 
jesties and  the  court  had  all  retired,  thoroughly  satisfied 
with  the  spirit-manifestations  which  they  had  witnessed 
during  the  seance. 

When  I  had  recovered  sufficiently  my  wife  greatly 
enlightened  me  as  to  the  seance,  giving  me  many  particu- 
lars of  the  manifestations.  Being  myself  unconscious  the 
whole  time  I  am,  of  course,  dependent  upon  others  for  an 
account  of  what  had  occurred. 

She  said  that  four  fully  materialized  forms  presented 
themselves  to  the  sitters — all  being  present  at  the  same 
time.  That  one  of  the  spirit-beings  drew  aside  the  curtains 
of  the  cabinet  and  revealed  the  form  of  the  medium  (my- 
self) lying  in  deep  slumber  on  the  couch.  That  these 
spirit-persons  claimed  their  friends  among  the  sitters, 
conversing  with  them  in  their  own  language. 

That  the  Czar  and  Czarina  received  indubitable  proof 
of  their  dear  ones.  The  father  of  the  Czar,  Alexander  the 
Third,  being  one  of  the  spirits  materializing. 

That  the  little  French  clown,  Adolphe,  relieved  the 
gravity  of  the  proceedings  by  his  amusing  antics. 

And  that  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  in  gorgeous  attire 
sparkling  with  jewels,  appeared,  accompanied  by  a  beauti- 


54        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

ful  brunette  and  a  charming  blonde,  whom,  supporting  on 
either  arm,  he  introduced  as  his  wife  and  daughter,  Valerie 
and  Virginia. 

That  the  three  together  made  a  tour  of  the  room,  and 
drawing  near  to  each  sitter  they  permitted  a  close  inspec- 
tion of  themselves. 

So  concluded,  in  the  presence  of  the  Imperial  Roman- 
offs, the  manifestations  of  the  first  seance,  of  which  the 
humble  medium  was  myself. 

Then  followed  "by  command''  a  series  of  sittings,  to 
test  the  spiritual  phenomena,  prove  beyond  a  doubt  there 
is  life  of  a  human  character  beyond  the  tomb,  the  last  of 
which  was  marked  by  a  very  special  incident. 

I  will  relate  only  the  striking  events,  which  are,  in- 
deed, to  a  certain  extent  public  property,  having  been 
translated  into  several  languages  and  extracts  published 
in  a  number  of  periodicals. 

On  this  occasion  spirit-friends  of  many  of  the  illus- 
trious sitters  manifested,  claiming  their  kinship  and 
giving  evidence  of  identity  and  relationship  impossible  to 
refute. 

A  Russian  Admiral  and  a  Russian  General  material- 
ized. 

The  Russian  General  held  a  conversation  with  the  Czar, 
delivering  what  he  declared  was  "an  important  message". 
Whatever  the  subject  it  was  evident  that  the  Czar  of  all 
the  Russians  was  deeply  interested  and  listened  \with 
marked  attention.  Before  his  demise  the  general  had  been 
well  known  to  the  emperor  and  was,  therefore,  absolutely 
identified.  Part  of  his  message  was  to  the  effect  that  many 
remarkable  changes  were  in  store  for  Russia. 

"I  can  perceive,  sire,"  said  the  spirit  impressively, 
"that  in  the  near  future  there  will  be  the  outbreak  of  a 
terrible  war,  and  unless  great  care  be  exercised  it  will  mean 
ignominy,  sorrow,  destruction  for  your  country,  your  fam- 
ily and  yourself." 

More  followed  which  I  am  unable  to  repeat,  being  my- 
self dependent  upon  the  accounts  recited  to  me.  But  it 
seemed  a  warning  of  some  great  national  or  family  disaster. 

Many  controls  and  guides  manifested. 

One  handsome  young  spirit-man  walked  boldly  from 
the  cabinet  and  manipulating  a  valuable  violin,  played  in 


The  Ghost  of  .Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        55 

masterly  style.  Then  placing  the  instrument  on  a  table 
near  to  and  in  full  view  of  the  sitters,  bowed  to  them  and 
retired. 

Then  came  a  little  ,dusky  Indian  maiden,  who  danced 
to  the  airs  played  by  a  musical-box  wound  by  spirit-hands. 
Four  times  in  succession  did  she'  materialize  and  de- 
materialize,  thrilling  the  audience  by  her  wonderful  form 
and  action. 

Suddenly  the  portieres  were  thrown  back.  A  spirit 
clothed  in  the  uniform  of  an  English  general  of  the 
Eighteenth  century  strode  toward  the  Czar,  addressing  to 
him  a  demand  for  the  "  immediate  imprisonment  of  that 
villain,  Francis  Whynn,"  shouting  angrily,  "He  stole  my 
wife!" 

At  that  moment  within  and  without  the  cabinet  there 
was  a  great  commotion.  The  words  "Traitor"  and  "Trea- 
son" weer  reiterated  with  great  vehemence,  whether  by 
visible  or  invisible  persons  no  one  could  tell. 

Instantly  the  whole  circle  was  in  confusion.  Many 
present,  fearing  some  diabolical  plot,  essayed  to  remove 
their  Majesties  to  safety.  But  before  this  could  be  done 
the  spirit  of  Father  Piercy  manifested,  imploring  all  to  be 
calm  and  on  no  account  to  break  the  circle. 

As  the  priest  appeared  the  English  general  vanished. 
The  smooth^  impressive  and  gentle  demeanor  of  Father 
Piercy  restored  quiet  and  confidence.  He  assured  those 
present  that  all  was  well  respecting  their  personal  safety. 
Explaining  that  General  Stanhope,  who  had  so  rudely 
broken  through  the  band  of  guides  and  forced  himself  upon 
the  Czar,  was  endeavoring  to  pay  off  an  ancient  score 
against  the  chief  control,  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  "who  has 
nobly  and  ably  accomplished  an  important  labor  during 
these  remarkable  seances." 

And  now  appeared  Sir  Francis,  unruffled,  handsome, 
smiling,  bland.  Apologizing  in  courtly  manner  for  the 
startling  interruption  and  hoping  that  Ijheir  Majesties 
would  feel  no  further  alarm  concerning  it. 

"It  certainly  would  not  have  happened,"  he  com- 
mented lightly,  "had  not  the  gentleman  in  question  suc- 
cessfully evaded  the  vigilance  of  my  subordinates,  and 
forced  himself  upon  you,  sire,  in  this  unseemly  manner. 
He  is  now,  sire,  under  secure  restraint." 


56        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

Then,  with  a  characteristic  wave  of  the  hand,  he  re- 
minded the  Czar  and  Czarina  of  the  marvellous  manifesta- 
tions of  spirit-power  which  they  had  witnessed  during  the 
seaance  and  by  his  charming  personality  succeeded  in 
placing  everyone  at  ease. 

The  seance  concluded  with  the  materialization  of  the 
lovely  Valerie  and  her  daughter  Virginia,  who,  with  their 
husband  and  father,  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  bid  their  Majes- 
ties adieu,  and,  making  their  farewell  to  the  whole  circle, 
faded  from  their  sight. 

I  had  remained  unconscious  during  the  whole  of  this 
lengthy  seance  and  for  a  considerable  period  after — how 
long  I  know  not. 

As  I  slowly  came  to  myself  I  was  aware  of  the  voice 
of  Mrs.  Austin  speaking.  Gazing  languidly  around  I 
discovered  that  I  had  been  conveyed  to  my  study  and  that 
my  wife  and  Baron  Ortinsky  were  anxiously  awaiting  my 
recovery,  filled  with  fear  lest,  having  been  used  so  hard  and 
so  long,  I  should  be  unable  to  regain  my  usual  physical 
vitality. 

After  partaking  of  suitable  nourishment  I  retired  to 
my  sleeping  apartment  for  very  necessary  and  long  repose. 

My  wife  later  told  me  that  she  had  been  greatly 
alarmed  at  the  length  of  time  I  had  been  entranced  and 
feared  I  would  never  be  myself  again,  and  that  she  hoped 
she  would  not  be  called  upon  to  be  present  when  I  was 
subjected  to  such  an  exhausting  and  protracted  trance. 

I  assured  her  that  my  chief  control  would  never  allow 
me  to  be  injured,  but  that,  in  this  case,  he  had  been  very 
anxious  to  make  a  deep  impression  upon  the  Czarina  and 
the  Czar. 

The  seances  being  over  and  my  work  at  the  Winter 
Palace  concluded  I  took  my  leave  of  Russia. 

But  before  going  I  had  the  honor  of  a  second  interview 
with  the  Czar,  at  which  I  received  his  personal  -thanks  for 
my  services  as  a  medium.  He  most  graciously  declaring 
that  he  had  been  much  interested  and  enlightened,  and 
that  he  wished  me  every  success  in  my  labors  for  what  he 
was  pleased  to  term  "a  glorious  cause ". 

By  favor  of  Baron  Ortinsky  I  was  permitted  to  view 
one  of  the  despatches  sent  abroad,  in  which,  by  approval 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        57 

of  the  Czar,  I  was  described  as  a  sensible,  unassuming, 
gentle  young  man,  endowed  with  marvellous  gifts  and 
abilities  of  a  unique  order. 

In  addition  to  valuable  cheque,  I  received  a  signed 
photograph  of  the  Emperor  and  Empress  in  a  jeweled 
frame,  and  a  magnificent  diamond  ring.  To  Mrs.  Austin 
was  presented  a  lovely  necklace  of  jewels  as  a  souvenir 
of  our  remarkable  visit. 

Commands  and  invitations  from  other  royalties  and 
nobility  reached  me  before  I  left  Russia.  The  creme  de  la 
creme  of  society  in  various  countries  sought  to  engage  me. 
But  to  all  of  these  I  could  make  no  immediate  response, 
being  too  fatigued  for  a  considerable  period  of  time  to 
comply  with  any. 

The  only  course  open  to  me  was  to  return  by  easy 
stages  to  my  home  and  there  recuperate. 

My  name,  apparently,  had  become  rapidly  known  and 
I  was  now,  what  I  presume  is  called,  "famous". 

But,  without  the  full  consent  of  my  chief  control  I 
would  not  visit  any  place,  nor  take  the  dear  spirit-friends 
whither  they  might  not  wish  to  go.  Therefore,  I  awaited 
orders.  And  only  by  the  express  desire  of  Sir  Francis 
Whynn  would  I  undertake  any  further  mediumistic  en- 
gagements. 

Well  and  truly  had  he  kept  his  word  to  me ! 

Well  and  truly  would  I  keep  faith  with  him — sweetest, 
best,  most  fascinating  and  admirable  of  spirit-men! 


CHAPTER  VI 

I  had  but  shortly  returned  to  Austinlea,  my  country 
home,  when  an  invitation  to  visit  him  in  Westmorland 
came  from  Lord  William  Templeton. 

He  assured  me  that  I  should  have  rest  and  leisure  in 
abundance  and  that  I  should  not  be  called  upon  to  exercise 
any  mediumistic  powers.  He  well  understood  how  neces- 
sary relaxation  and  every  opportunity  of  regaining 
strength  must  be  to  one  who  had  gone  through  so  much 
stress  and  strain,  and  thinking  that  Hornsworth  might 
offer  more  seclusion  than  my  own  well-known  home,  he 
begged  I  would  not  refuse.  He  added  ''Lady  Templeton 
also  hopes  you  will  accept." 

I  confess  to  a  sense  of  pleasurable  anticipation  at  the 
thought  of  again  staying  in  that  grand  old  castle  and 
revelling  in  its  wealth  of  interests.  And  now  that  her 
ladyship  would  make  me  welcome  I  felt  strongly  impelled 
to  accept  the  proffered  hospitality. 

Steadfast  to  my  decision,  however,  I  waited  for  the 
approval  of  my  dear  old  control.  I  soon  received  his  wel- 
come permission  and  commendation. 

"lam  desirous,  nay,  anxious,  you  visit  Templeton," 
he  said;  "I  am  proud  for  you  to  know  him,  and  it  gives 
me  pleasure  and  also  provides  opportunity  for  my  sub- 
ordinates to  do  some  unseen  work. ' ' 

And  hastening  northwards  on  my  arrival  at  Horns- 
worth  was  cordially  welcomed  by  Lord  and  Lady  Temple- 
ton.  To  my  great  relief  I  found  that  her  ladyship's  atti- 
tude towards  me  had  changed  entirely — she  was  frankness 
and  graciousness  itself. 

During  the  earlier  part  of  my  visit  all  ghostly  conver- 
sation was  forbidden.  But,  naturally,  as  I  gradually  re- 
covered my  usual  strength  and  vigor,  it  was  impossible  for 
me  to  refrain  from  touching  on  the  subject  closest  to  my 
heart. 

The  outstanding  incidents  of  my  services  to  the  Czar 
had  been  published  in  many  papers,  and  were,  therefore, 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        59 

no  news  to  my  host  and  hostess.  But  it  was,  of  course,  in- 
evitable that  sooner  or  later  we  should  go  again  over  that 
wonderful  series  of  experiences.  Though  utterly  uncon- 
scious myself  of  all  happenings  during  my  periods  of 
trance  I  yet  knew  from  my  wife's  account  and  from  reports 
of  others  many  details  of  what  occurred. 

And  the  marvel  of  it  filled  me  at  times  with  almost 
as  much  amazement  as  it  did  my  audiences.  Amazement, 
full  of  delight,  profound  and  well-nigh  inexpressible,  com- 
pelling me  to  share  my  emotions  with  Lord  William  and 
his  wife. 

From  manifestations  abroad  we  came  to  those  near 
home.  And  eventually  to  the  past  annoying  hauntings  of 
Hornsworth  Castle  and  the  happy  discontinuance  of  the 
same.  Both  Lord  and  Lady  Templeton  heartily  thanked 
me  as  the  instrument  of  my  special  control  for  the  absence, 
as  promised  by  him,  of  the  former  vexatious  ghostly  dis- 
turbances. 

* 1 1  am  glad  .to  tell  you,  Mr.  Austin,  we  have  not  had 
the  slightest  repetition  of  those  troublesome  experiences 
since  your  last  visit  here,"  remarked  Lord  Templeton  in 
tones  of  thankfulness  as  we  sat  conversing  after  dinner. 

''That  is  good  news,  my  lord,"  I  answered.  "I  trust 
you  will  never  be  thus  annoyed  again." 

No  sooner  had  I  uttered  the  words  than  to  my  con- 
fusion and  consternation  a  voice  said — so  audibly  and  so 
harshly  that  I  started  and  stammered  with  surprise  and 
alarm : 

"Don't  be  too  confident  of  my  absence.  I  have  not 
finished  with  my  lord,  his  lady,  nor  yourself.  With  you 
I  have  an  account  to  settle.  I  know  all  that  is  transpiring. 
I'll  make  things  hum  as  you  will  quickly  see,  unless  I  get 
proper  redress  for  my  wrongs." 

Lord  Templeton,  noticing  my  movement  and  not 
realizing  the  cause  of  my  uneasiness,  enquired  with  concern 
if  there  was  anything  he  could  do  for  me. 

' '  No,  thank  you,  my  lord, ' '  I  replied.  ' '  There  is  really 
nothing  the  matter  with  me.  I  was  perturbed  by  hearing  a 
spirit-voice  which  menaces  my  peace,  and  I  am  constrained 
to  believe  that  it  is  the  very  Voice  which  has  annoyed  her 
ladyship  so  long." 


60        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

i ;  Indeed !  How  extremely  vexatious.  I  really  thought 
we  were  entirely  rid  of  the  nuisance. " 

"I  fear  not  altogether,  my  lord.     It  would  seem  by  his 
statements  that  he  will  vary  his  form  of  attack. ' ' 

" Ah,  well — a  short  respite  is  better  than  none;  so 
don't  worry  over  us,  Mr.  Austin.  In  any  case  he  cannot 
have  the  same  power.  Knowledge  properly  used  becomes 
a  great  protection.  And  through  you,  Mr.  Austin — thanks 
to  the  spirit  of  Francis  Whynn — I  now  possess  valuable 
information  and  know  what  method  to  employ  should  our 
tormentor  revive  his  nuisance.  Knowledge  being  power  I 
have  my  weapon  at  command. " 

No  further  sounds  disturbing  us  we  resumed  our  con- 
versation, and  for  my  host's  information  I  related  the 
incident  of  General  Stanhope's  intrusion  at  the  last  of  the 
Russian  seances.  Lord  William  seemed  greatly  interested, 
expressing  to  me  his  intention  of  shortly  closely  examining 
the  contents  of  the  documents  which  had  so  mysteriously 
appeared  on  the  occasion  of  my  Jast  visit. 

"I  believe  those  papers  will  throw  considerable  light 
upon  this  peculiar  affair.  It  has  been  clearly  demonstrated 
that  there  has  been  and  still  is  a  bitter  feud  between  the 
opposing  spirits.  After  I  have  carefully  perused  the  papers 
I  should  be  very  glad  if  you  could  visit  us  again,  Mr. 
Austin,  so  that  we  may  the  better  discuss  this  matter.  I 
feel  convinced  that  we  shall  eventually  lay  the  ghost." 

It  was,  therefore,  arranged  that  so  soon  as  Lord  Tem- 
pleton  should  have  completed  his  investigations  and  get 
at  the  contents  of  the  mystifying  documents  I  should  return 
to  Hornsworth  for  a  brief  period,  when,  we  hoped,  we 
should  be  able  to  clear  up  all  remaining  difficulties  and  per- 
manently quiet  the  spirit  of  General  Stanhope. 

But  I  was  not  permitted  to  leave  Hornsworth  without 
a  demonstration  of  psychic  power. 

On  the  morning  of  my  departure  Lord  and  Lady  Tem- 
pleton  were  bidding  me  "Goodbye"  and  I  was  about  to 
enter  the  carriage  to  be  driven  to  the  station  when  I  was 
thrown  into  a  trance,  though  not  rendered  entirely  un- 
conscious, my  host  having  saved  me  from  abrupt  contact 
with  the  ground  and  supported  me  in  a  reclining  position 
in  his  arms. 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        61 

There,  from  my  person,  materialized  two  lovely  female 
forms,  who  courtesied  deeply  with  much  grace  to  Lord 
William  and  his  wife.  One,  kneeling  to  Lady  Templeton 
for  a  moment,  raised  her  hands  as  though  in  supplication. 
Then  both  faded  from  the  sight. 

Though  dazed  and  uncertain,  with  Lord  Templeton 's 
assistance  I  struggled  to  my  feet,  when,  as  if  by  magic,  I 
immediately  recovered  full  stren^h  and  consciousness. 

The  manifestation  seemed  so  unreal  an  incident  that 
but  for  the  confirmation  of  my  host  and  hostess,  who  de- 
clared that  it  had  been  a  marvellous  spirit-demonstration, 
I  should  have  inclined  to  the  belief  that  it  was  an  imagina- 
tion of  my  brain.  For  there  were  no  accessories,  no  condi- 
tions of  any  kind,  and  the  sun  shone  brightly  in  an  azure 
sky. 

Truly  my  experience  of  spiritual  phenomena  has  been 
of  special  character! 

Without  any  personal  knowledge  or  volition  I  have 
been  chosen  and  developed  as  a  spirit-medium.  The  so- 
called  Dead  were  never  sought  by  me.  But  they,  the  very 
much  alive  Spirit-people,  not  only  sought  but  found  me, 
and  seem  little  inclined  to  discard  me  since  my  capture. 


CHAPTER  VII 

How  strange  is  life — as  Mortals  know  it  on  this 
varying  Earth !  How  impossible  for  us  to  gauge  tomorrow 
by  today!  True,  there  are  many  times  when  "Coming 
events  cast  their  shadows  before."  But  how  much 
oftener  does  the  unexpected  happen.  Certainly  this  has 
been  true  of  my  Psychic  experience.  And  now,  when  I 
seemed  to  have  journeyed  so  far  along  the  path  of  Super- 
normal knowledge,  there  came  a  sudden  halt.  Not  only 
was  my  active  membership  set  aside,  but  a  time  of  strange 
trial  and  temptation  was  before  me. 

Perhaps  it  was  to  test  the  genuineness  of  my  alle- 
giance, the  depth  of  my  faith,  the  strength  of  my  resist- 
ance of  evil  suggestion,  the  endurance  of  my  patience.- 
To  try  me  whether  I  were,  indeed,  a  fit  subject  for  the 
confidence  of  a  Spirit  who  has  passed  beyond. 

Hitherto  I  had  never  been  annoyed,  or  tempted,  by 
any  description  of  irritating  or  vexatious  spirits  from 
the  invisible  universe. 

"A  land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey"  had  been 
offered  to  my  mental  vision.  Benefits,  friendship,  welfare, 
greatness  and  fame  were  to  be  my  guerdon,  surrounding 
me  with  their  blessings  as  the  reward  for  my  services 
to  Sir  Francis  Whynn. 

This  had  indeed  been  so.  All  that  he  had  foretold 
me  had  been  heaped  upon  me ;  not  one  promise,  but  all 
had  been  fulfilled.  I  could  look  back  upon  the  period 
since  he  first  with  sweet  and  polished  accents  addressed 
me  in  the  dingy  parlour  of  a  great  hotel  and  trace,  step 
by  step,  each  incident  since  that  meeting,  and  give 
evidence  that  nothing  had  failed  of  all  that  he  predicted 
and  desired. 

And  now,  almost  at  the  pinnacle  of  fame,  with  won- 
derful knowledge  and  power  and  strength,  born  of  the 
spiritual  enlightenment  and  the  marvels  I  had  experienced 
through  the  development  of  those  Psychic  powers — which 
from  earliest  childhood  had  been  dormant  within  me, 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        63 

waiting  the  unfolding  influence  of  my  chief  control — I 
was  suddenly  checked,  brought  to  a  standstill  It  seemed 
as  though  I  would  get  "no  whither"  ever  again. 

Stagnation  and  inertia  were  thrust  upon  me.  A 
slough  of  despond  spread  slowly  out  before  me,  covering 
all,  battling  through  which  seemed  well  nigh  impossible 
because  of  its  intangible  and  irritating  nature. 

Without  the  least  apparent  reason  my  mediumship 
seemed  to  be  at  an  end,  and  sore  temptations  beset  me. 

The  sense  of  hearing  was  wrought  into  an  instrument 
of  torture  by  the  persistent  haunting  of  a  hoarse,  grating 
voice  which  poured  forth  vile  insinuations  and  bitter 
vituperation  against  Sir  Francis.  The  invisible  speaker 
declared  himself  to  be  General  Stanhope  who,  by  his  eerie 
presence,  had  so  many  years  disturbed  the  peace  of 
Lady  Templeton. 

But,  finding  his  abuse  failed  signally  in  its  object, 
he  changed  his  tactics  and  endeavoured  by  persuasion 
to  cause  me  to  accept  him  as  my  chief  control  instead 
of  him  I  knew  and  loved  and  trusted. 

No  allurements  he  could  suggest  could  move  me  to 
consider,  even  for  a  moment,  disloyalty  to  Sir  Francis. 
Nor,  for  one  moment  even,  to  contemplate  the  acceptance 
of  such  a  substitute  for  my  beloved  control. 

So,  finding  his  attempts  of  no  avail,  he  proceeded  as 
before,  to  utter  abuse  against  that  refined  and  charming 
personality  of  whom  I  am  so  fond  and  proud. 

"You  believe  Francis  "Whynn  to  be  a  good  man,"  the 
rasping  voice  would  say.  "You  are  entirely  mistaken. 
Let  me  inform  you  he  is  a  dishonourable,  villainous  fellow, 
a  libertine,  a  deep-dyed  scoundrel  who  took  advantage 
of  a  sacred  trust  reposed  in  him,  and  stole  a  wife's 
affections.  He  is  a  snake  in  the  grass,  a  coward.  Never 
will  I  rest  until  I  have  unmasked  him." 

This  and  much  more.  And  on  and  on  the  wearying 
voice  continued. 

The  perpetual  anathematizing  of  one  I  so  reverenced 
and  so  loved  drove  me  almost  mad  at  times.  But  never 
once  were  my  favourable  opinions  of  Sir  Francis  altered, 
nor  did  I  swerve  in  my  allegiance  to  him,  although  his 
long-continued  absence  tried  me  sorely. 


64        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

Diligently  I  sought  the  only  refuge.  I  found  my 
safety  and  my  strength  in  prayer.  And  earnestly  I 
supplicated  the  intervention  of  the  Supreme  Power  whom 
all  the  unseen  worlds  obey.  Invoking  the  presence  of 
angel-ministers  to  guide  and  guard  and  help  me  in  this 
period  of  severe  and  unexpected  and  continued  trial. 

Nor  were  my  prayers  in  vain.  Those  silent  prayers 
to  God  and  to  spirit-guides  brought  me  presently  the 
longed-for  answer,  and  some  measure  of  relief  and  com- 
fort were  afforded  me. 

One  evening  at  the  usual  hour,  as  I  was  sitting  in  my 
study,  I  perceived  I  was  not  alone.  The  appearance  of 
the  bright  yet  softly-spreading  illumination  warned  me 
of  an  approaching  manifestation.  And  e'er  long  slowly 
materialized,  very  distinctly,  two  lovely  female  forms,  the 
elder  of  whom,  addressing  me  in  a  tender  and  sympathetic 
manner,  spoke  reassuringly  to  me. 

"We  have  heard  your  prayers  for  help  and  comfort, 
and  are  bidden  to  come  to  your  relief.  We  are  to  tell 
you  that  though  you  cannot  pierce  the  atmosphere  of 
difficulty  surrounding  you  at  present,  you  will  be  helped. 
Take  courage  therefore.  Believe  that  Divine  aid  will  be 
given  to  you.  Have  faith  that  you  will  be  sustained  until 
we  come  again." 

Then  with  sweet  smiles  of  cheer  and  encouragement 
they  faded  from  my  view. 

It  was  indeed  to  me  an  angels'  visit,  Bringing  me 
holy  tidings  of  another  world  where  strength  flows  out 
to  aid  the  soul  in  trial — whence  fresh  supplies  of  life 
succour  the  fainting  spirit.  How  changed  I  felt!  How 
rested !  How  refreshed  and  strengthened  by  their  angelic 
presence !  A  delicious  sense  of  calm  security  pervaded 
my  whole  thing.  It  seemed  as  though  a  new  world  of 
rest  and  peace  at  last  received  me.  And  that  night  I 
retired  to  rest  in  absolute  contentment  and  slept  as  though 
no  evil  spirit  had  ever  beset  my  path. 

And  indeed,  for  many  days  at  least,  I  was  free  from 
that  disturbing  voice  and  presence. 

Then  began  a  new  period  of  invisible  annoyance.  The 
tormenting  voice  manifested  itself  again,  giving  me  to 
clearly  understand  that  I  was  to  be  the  victim  of  a  fresh 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        65 

attack.  And  now  more  weary  days  and  nights  passed  by, 
and  faith  and  strength  and  patience  wrestled  on. 

Would  it  ever  change?    Would  it  ever  end? 

I  was  cogitating  thus  in  my  study,  and  trying  to 
devise  some  means  for  evading  my  enemy,  when  my  atten- 
tion was  attracted  by  a  bright,  phosphorescent  light, 
completely  dimming  the  electric  glow  which  illuminated 
the  room. 

Within  that  powerful  brightness  focussed  into  view 
two  lovely  faces,  fresh  as  the  morning,  fair  as  the  dawn 
of  day.  The  sweet,  ethereal  conutenances  from  intangible 
uncertainty,  developed  so  completely  that  all  their  beauty 
and  variety  of  colour  were  perfectly  distinguishable.  I 
then  realized  that  the  angelic  beings  were  two  beautiful 
females — one  a  brunette  and  one  a  blonde.  The  younger 
was  the  embodiment  of  eternal  youth.  A  wealth  of  golden 
hair  framed  the  perfect  face.  The  clear  blue  eyes  shone 
like  the  brightest  stars.  A  wild-rose  bloom  enhanced  the 
dimpled  cheeks,  and  red  lips  parted  in  a  seraph's  smile 
showing  the  pearly  teeth.  A  child  just  touching  girlhood. 

The  other,  a  regal  beauty,  perfect  in  form  and  stature, 
the  contour  of  her  features  such  it  seemed  impossible  to 
cease  to  gaze  upon  them.  The  large,  exprssive  deep- 
violet  eyes  entranced  me  by  their  splendour,  their  sweet- 
ness and  their  pleading  gaze.  And  with  a  witchery  of 
sound,  her  gentle  voice  fell  upon  my  ear: 

"Austin,  staunch  friend,  I  desire  you  to  know  surely 
who  I  am.  My  name  is  Valerie.  I  am  the  wife  of  Francis 
Whynn.  This  (placing  her  arm  around  the  young  maiden 
at  her  side)  is  our  child,  Virginia,  the  light  of  our  souls, 
the  joy  of  our  existence. 

"I  would  have  you  know,  true  friend,  that  I,  the 
wife  of  him  you  love  and  honour,  am  neither  wicked  nor 
depraved.  On  the  contrary,  I  love  the  good,  the  true, 
the  brave,  love  life,  light  and  liberty  and  all  Divine 
things. 

"My  life  is  spent  in  helping  mortals.  Nursing  the 
sick.  Guarding  the  innocent.  Assisting  the  fallen. 
Strengthening  and  cheering  the  weak.  Protecting  the 
helpless.  I  have  visited  earthly  homes,  so-called.  Hovels 
they  are,  more  often,  of  crime  and  misery.  Endeavouring 
to  aid  those  who  dwell  there  to  leave  the  sin,  the  vice, 


66        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

and  degradation.  And  by  the  help  of  spirits  and  of 
mortals,  enter  the  paths  of  rectitude.  Giving  them  hope 
and  courage  to  strive  therein.  To  these  self-chosen  tasks 
I  dedicate  my  life. 

"Many  whom  I  have  rescued  look  upon  me  as  their 
Guardian-spirit  and  Messenger  of  Light.  Our  fair  child 
is  as  a  star  of  glory.  And  trusting  Mortals  love  us. 

"I  tell  you  this,  good  Austin,  not  to  praise  myself, 
or  my  sweet  daughter.  But  because  I  would  have  you 
know  I  do  not  flinch  from  the  trials  and  difficulties  of 
a  deluded  world.  As  an  enlightened  spirit  I  will  ever  do 
my  duty  towards  mortals  in  distress,  who  seek  Spiritual 
aid. 

"We  come,  too,  from  our  fair  celestial  home  to  impart 
to  you  strength  and  perseverance.  And  we  ask  you  to 
retain  your  faith  in  the  goodness  of  Francis  Whynn. 
Though  he  is  unable  to  be  with  you  now,  and  the  time 
may  seem  strangely  long  e  'er  he  can  return  to  you,  believe 
nothing  to  his  discredit,  for  he  is  true  and  just  and 
faithful.  A  brave  man,  to  whom  the  highest  praise  is 
due  for  his  trustworthy  conduct.  A  genuine  friend.  A 
generous,  loyal  and  devoted  husband.  A  most  loving  and 
tender  father.  He  is,  truly,  worthy  of  your  highest  opin- 
ion and  esteem,  and  my  soul  delights  to  know  you  love 
and  trust  him.  We  thank  you  heartily  for  your  fidelity 
to  his  cause.  Nor  shall  your  steadfastness  go  unrewarded. 
Be  strong,  be  patient,  continue  in  your  well-placed  con- 
fidence." 

"Oh,  Glorious  Spirit,"  I  exclaimed,  "I  have  never 
faltered  in  my  allegiance  to  Sir  Francis." 

The  sweet  smiles  of  peace  and  contentment  which 
rested  upon  the  lovely,  angel  faces  told  me  how  well  they 
knew  I  spoke  the  truth.  Then  slowly  the  vision  faded 
and  the  spirit-light  waned  away. 

I  felt  much  strengthened  by  this  visit,  and  more 
determined  than  ever  to  remain  steadfast  in  my  loyalty 
to  my  dear  control. 

Although  much  pressure  was  brought  to  bear  upon 
me  I  would  not  consent  to  make  any  engagements  until 
I  received  the  full  permission  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn.  But 
this  being  still  withheld,  I  had  to  possess  my  soul  in 
patience;  and  I  must  confess  that  during  this  waiting 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Why  tin,  Baronet        67 

period  I  was  often  sorely  tempted.  Wealthy  persons  made 
me  seductive  offers  to  hold  seances.  Royalty  sought  me 
for  my  medial  powers.  Even  my  wife  found  it  difficult 
to  understand  my  continued  inaction.  Still,  through  it 
all,  my  decision  remained  unchanged. 

The  tormenting  Voice  now  jeered  at  me,  taunting 
me  with  the  assertions  that  I  was  discarded,  and  cast 
aside. 

"Whynn  has  no  further  use  for  you.  He  has  gained 
his  point.  You  are  only  a  lump  of  clay!  Once  a  useful 
instrument  to  him,  now  you  are  no  longer  needed  you 
are  cast  out.  He  has  worked  his  will,  and  you  are  of 
so  little  interest  to  him  that  he  cares  not  what  becomes 
of  you." 

This  continued  until  I  was  sick  and  weary  in  the 
extreme,  worn  into  illness  by  the  reiteration  of  the 
monster's  voice. 

At  last  there  came  an  evening  when,  to  my  inex- 
pressible relief,  I  was  again  blessed  with  the  dear  presence 
of  Francis  Whynn.  In  a  soft,  phosphorescent  light,  illu- 
minating the  dimness  of  my  sanctum,  where,  before  the 
haunting  of  that  evil  voice  of  General  Stanhope,  I  had 
delighted  to  sit  alone  and  hour  by  hour  to  meditate  upon 
the  World  which  is  the  Real  and  True,  appeared  once 
more  the  well-beloved  for  whom  my  soul  was  craving. 
The  old,  gay  self,  smiling  and  bedonair!  And  once  again 
his  cheery  salutation  sounded  in  my  ear: 

"Ah!  Austin,  old  fellow!  You  are  burning  the  mid- 
night oil  I  see.  Too  bad,  when  you  should  be  resting  on 
your  virtuous  couch!" 

"Sir  Francis!"  I  exclaimed.  "How  can  I  express 
my  delight  at  seeing  you  again ! ' ' 

My  words  must  have  conveyed  something  of  the 
intense  relief  his  visit  brought  me,  for  a  serious  expression 
passed  across  his  features,  and  for  a  moment  he  seemed 
agitated.  Then  with  a  sigh,  quickly  followed  by  one  of 
his  compelling  smiles,  he  replied: 

"Austin,  dear  friend.  I  desire  to  thank  you  sincerely 
for  your  loyalty,  your  sympathy,  and  your  faith.  I  am 
well  aware  you  have  been  severely  tried  and  tempted  on 
Bay  account.  I  trust  you  fully  realize  that  I  thoroughly 
appreciate  your  disinterested  resistance  of  evil  insinua- 


68        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

tions,  and  of  bribes.  I  shall  not  forget,  nor  fail  you, 
though  I  seem,  to  have  done  both  during  this  recent  time 
of  cerebral  distress. 

"I  know,  too,  that  my  sweet  wife  and  our  darling 
child  have  visited  you  to  encourage  and  support  you  in 
my  continued  absence.  Your  eyes  have  seen  their  beauty 
and  their  worth,  and  therefore,  you  may  judge  their 
pricelessness  to  me;  you  can  understand  how  precious  to 
me  is  their  welfare,  and  that  I  will  do  everything  in  my 
power  to  uphold,  untarnished,  their  good  name.  They 
are  my  bright,  particular  stars.  My  hope.  The  greater 
part  of  my  living  self,  my  soul's  soul,  the  essence  of  my 
purest  being.  And  I  will,  if  possible,  shield  them  from 
all  harm. 

"Some  day,  Austin,  I  will  reveal  to  you  the  secret 
of  the  trouble  existing  between  General  Stanhope  and 
myself.  But  that  must  wait  a  little  longer.  In  the  mean- 
while, preserve  your  faith  in  me.  Exercise  patience  yet 
a  little  while  and  the  whole  mystery  shall  be  made  clear 
to  you,  and  the  trouble  set  at  rest. 

"Ah!  here  come  my  dear  ones!  To  leave  a  benedic- 
tion with  you,  e'er  I  go." 

Ajid  to  my  astonished  gaze  appeared,  at  that  precise 
moment,  the  spirit-forms  who  had  visited  me  before,  and 
whom  I  immediately  recognized  as  the  wife  and  daughter 
of  Sir  Francis  Whynn.  Clasping  each  other's  hands  they 
stood  before  me,  a  trio  of  celestial  beauty,  their  faces 
illuminated  with  ethereal  joy.  Then  my  eyes  beheld  the 
form  of  Father  Piercy,  who  raised  his  hands  above  them 
as  in  blessing.  And  making  their  adieux  to  me,  I  watched 
them  fade  from  sight,  till  only  the  normal  atmosphere 
surrounded  me,  and  I  knew  myself  alone  once  more.  . 

Shortly  after  this  I  received  a  visit  from  the  spirit 
of  Doctor  Kellier,  who  charged  me  strictly  not  to  accept 
engagements  for  spiritual  manifestations  until  I  received 
direct  permission  from  Sir  Francis. 

He  said  he  had  been  sent  to  warn  me.  Because  it  was 
forseen  that  pressure  would  be  brought  to  bear  by  incar- 
nate persons  of  exalted  rank.  And  that  the  trying 
conditions  in  which  the  Spirit-band,  guided  by  my  chief 
control,  were  labouring,  prevented  them  from  being  prea- 
ent  to  enable  me.  to  obtain  satisfactory  and  sure  results. 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        69 

Therefore,  it  would  be  most  unwise  to  attempt  any  form 
of  demonstration,  or  to  endeavour  to  summon  them  to 
my  aid. 

I  accepted  this  spirit-message  as  a  sacred  injunction, 
adhering  rigidly  to  its  directions.  And  when  a  remark- 
able invitation  reached  me  to  display  my  mediumistic 
powers  before  a  very  charming  and  popular  young  Prince 
and  his  beautiful  and  gracious  bride — the  future  King  and 
Queen  of  a  notable  country — at  their  delightful  palace,  I 
was  compelled  to  send  a  negative  reply,  which,  I  need 
hardly  say,  was  an  extremely  difficult  thing  to  do.  And 
my  inability  to  respond  to  this  particular  Royal  invitation 
caused  me  very  genuine  regret. 

Day  by  day  I  fulfilled  the  necessary  conditions  for 
spirit-manifestation — awaiting  the  materialization  of  my 
dear  control.  Hour  after  hour  I  sat  alone,  meditating  and 
speaking,  maintaining  my  continued  vigil.  Until  the 
weary  period  ended,  and  my  senses  thrilled  once  more 
to  his  return. 

"My  faithful  friend,"  he  said,  cheerily,  as  was  his 
wont,  "I  take  great  pleasure  in  visiting  you  again!  I 
know  how  much  you  sacrifice  for  me.  But  nothing  is 
lost — although  it  seems  so  at  the  time,  perhaps.  Nor  can 
I  tell  you  all  the  conditions,  or  the  reasons  which  have 
kept  me  from  you  for  so  long.  But — I  hav,e  tried  and 
tested  you.  And  now  I  know  that  I  may  trust  you  with 
the  story  of  my  life.  You  shall  take  down  with  pen  or 
pencil,  my  confession.  I  desire  you  should  hear  it  from 
my  lips,  rather  than  others  should  give  you  a  garbled 
and  untrue  account.  I  am  willing  you  shall  be  my  judge. 
In  the  near  future  you  will  visit  Hornsworth  Castle  and 
be  called  upon  to  inspect  the  papers  sent  thither  originally 
by  General  Stanhope;  and  it  is  quite  probable  he  will 
endeavour  further  to  influence  your  mind  against  me — " 

"That  he  will  discover  to  be  impossible,"  I  cried. 

"Good!"  he  ejaculated,  with  a  smile;  but  he  gently 
shook  his  head  as  if  doubtful  of  the  result.  "I  thank 
you  for  your  brave  expressions,  Austin,  and  appreciate 
your  faith  and  loyalty  to  my  cause  and  me. ' ' 

Gazing  upon  him,  I  could  not  but  observe,  in  spite  of 
his  apparent  gaiety,  a  sadness  in  his  tone;  a  depression 
in  the  glance  of  his  erstwhile  merry  dark-blue  eyes,  and 


70        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

an  unusual  suppression  in  his  words  and  actions,  though 
he  seated  himself  in  the  old,  familiar  way. 

I  seriously  conjectured  what  could  be  troubling  him, 
and  evidently  he  knew  my  thoughts,  for  springing  to  his 
feet  he  paced  the  floor  in  an  agitated  manner;  then  stop- 
ping abruptly,  he  exclaimed: 

"As  you  surmise,  Austin,  I  am  troubled.  In  spirit, 
not  in  conscience  you  must  understand.  I  have  not  done 
wrong — at  least,  no  evil.  I  regret  no  action  of  the  past. 
But  having  followed  a  course  that  seemed  clear  and 
open,  I  thereby  unwittingly  made  a  bitter  enemy.  So 
bitter,  indeed,  that  his  hostile  spirit  follows  me  still;  and 
until  I  am  able  to  find  a  witness  to  the  innocence  of  my 
intentions  and  my  conduct,  my  spirit  may  not  wholly 
leave  your  world.  A  century  to  you,  Austin,  seems  an 
amazing  time,  but  to  the  discarnate  spirit  it  is  but  a  short 
period.  There  is  no  such  thing  as  Time,  for  us,  as  mortals 
know  it.  Only  the  accomplishment  of  deeds  counts  in 
the  eternal  life — we  know  no  other  measure. 

"Therefore,  I  seek  a  mortal  who  will  understand; 
know  and  feel  intuitionally  I  speak  the  truth;  to  clear 
me  in  the  eyes  of  those  remaining  of  my  family — who, 
through  false  accusation,  can  but  brand  me  as  a  villain. 
Not  for  my  own  sake,  but  for  those  most  precious  to  me, 
whom  you  have  seen.  Whose  worth,  whose  beauty  of 
form  and  spirit  you  now  know.  I  mean  my  wife  and 
child.  Those  lovely  spirits  who  appeared  to  you  to  give 
you  strength  and  comfort  in  time  of  need. 

"You,  Austin,  are  a  thoroughly  honourable  man; 
reliable,  faithful,  true.  By  research  I  testify  that  you 
have  never  been  guilty  of  a  mean  action  in  your  life ;  each 
deed,  since  you  became  conscious  of  your  individuality, 
will  bear  inspection ;  therefore  I  choose  you  as  my  earthly 
instrument;  and  you  have  passed  successfully  through 
Psychic  tests.  I  know  the  immense  value  of  your  true 
opinion.  The  knowledge  of  which  I  can  obtain — if  neces- 
sary— independent  of  your  will. 

"The  veil  will  be  lifted  from  the  past  and  I  shall 
stand  exposed.  Whether  I  shall  be  condemned  as  guilty 
of  a  heinous  crime  or  commended  as  an  honest  fellow,  t 
must  leave  to  you  and  abide  by  your  decision.  But  be  slow 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Wliynn,  Baronet         71 

to  judge,  be  well  assured  of  your  own,  true  opinion, 
whether  the  sentence  should  be  'Guilty'  or  'Not  Guilty.' 

"Bear  in  mind  these  facts;  That  time,  opportunity, 
a  combination  of  mighty  forces,  a  web  of  circumstances, 
can  play  havoc  with  the  best  of  good  intentions,  and  the 
very  strongest  will  of  man. 

"Remember,  also,  that  neither  the  past  or  the  present 
conditions  are  of  my  seeking.  General  Stanhope  would 
disgrace  my  memory  and  blacken  it  for  aye.  To  this  end 
he  inscribed  certain  documents  with  his  version  of  my 
actions,  making  me  vile  indeed ;  but  failing,  only  through 
an  accident,  to  do  the  harm  he  meant.  He  has  never 
ceased  to  haunt  those  of  my  relations  whose  psychic 
constitution  enabled  him  to  do  so.  While  he  has  diligently 
sought  the  ear  of  such  in  hope  of  gaining  their  belief,  I, 
too,  have  been  seeking  the  mediation  of  one  like  you  to 
clear  me.  I  have  tried  many,  but  in  some  point  each  has 
always  failed.  You  are  the  first  to  answer  every  test — 
especially  the  last  and  hardest  test  of  all — that  of  com- 
plete desertion.  None  have  sustained  that  trial  and 
retained  full  faith  save  you  and  therefore  all  save  you 
have  failed  me. 

"As  General  Stanhope  maintains  his  hostile  attitude, 
and  I  am  confident  in  your  ability  and  allegiance,  the 
hour  draws  near  for  victory,  or  defeat.  Remember,  too, 
that  this  position — the  bringing  to  all  mortal  minds  of 
all  long  passed,  long  'dead'  as  men  say,  is  not  sought 
by  me.  My  adversary  will  have  it  so.  As  he  professes 
to  be  the  injured  person  he  has  a  perfect  right  to  call 
to  arms  for  the  redress  of  what  he  still  persists  in  stating 
are  his  wrongs.  I  am  prepared  to  face  the  music,  nor 
will  I  shirk  responsibility  in  the  least  degree.  In  gaining 
you,  I  am  accused  by  him  of  getting  an  undue  advan- 
tage. I  cannot  see  that  this  is  so.  However,  I  will  lay 
that  whole  matter  before  you — you  must  judge. 

"Prepare  yourself  and  one  week  from  today  we  will 
begin  my  story.  Till  then  adieu,  adieu." 

The  week  passed  and  at  an  appointed  hour,  closeted 
in  my  study  free  from  all  fear  of  interruption,  Sir  Francis 
Whynn,  the  loved  control,  the  gay,  the  handsome  inhab- 
itant of  a  supernormal  world,  through  whose  agency  my 


72        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

own  psychic  consciousness  had  been  awakened,  sat  facing 
me,  revealing  the  history  of  his  life. 

My  favourite  pen  sped  over  the  smooth  surface  of 
the  paper,  keeping  pace  with  the  clear  words  he  uttered. 
Sheet  after  sheet  was  filled  to  his  dictation,  and  evening 
after  evening  passed  away,  until  at  last  the  story  was 
completed. 


CHAPTER  VIII 
THE  STORY 

"My  earliest  recollections  are  of  a  pleasant  character, 
and  though  no  startling  incident  disturbed  my  childhood's 
complacency,  all  that  was  bright,  beautiful  and  enjoyable 
to  a  lively  youngster  was  mine. 

"You  must  know,  Austin,  that  I  was  born  and  brought 
up  at  Llangollen  Castle.  That  charming  home  of  my  child- 
hood's days  set  far  in  a  lovely  retreat  in  the  Welsh  moun- 
tains. I  was  endowed  with  the  spirit  and  fire  of  uncon- 
quered  ancestors,  who,  for  centuries,  fought  and  died  for 
freedom,  and  filled  with  the  romance  and  poetry  of  my 
native  land  and  the  wild  free  spirit  of  the  mountains 
where  I  first  saw  light. 

"I  do  not  remember  my  mother.  But  my  father  and 
my  step-sister,  Ann,  showered  love  and  tenderness  upon 
me,  and  though  she  was  but  six  years  my  senior  she  smoth- 
ered me  in  her  quaint  little,  old-fashioned  way,  and  through 
my  boyhood  and  my  youth  blessed  me  with  her  sweet 
guardianship  and  care.  She  was  tender,  sympathetic  and 
self-sacrificing.  Even  as  a  very  young  girl  the  innate 
goodness  of  her  character  was  as  unmistakably  apparent. 
In  her  our  father  had  a  devoted  daughter,  and  I,  the  most 
affectionate  of  sisters. 

"I  shared  my  adoring  love  for  Ann  with  two  mag- 
nificent St.  Bernards  and  a  bonny  Welsh  pony.  We  played 
and  gamboled  in  the  castle  grounds — we  rode,  we  wrestled, 
and  often,  un-attended,  we  roamed  the  mountain  side  or 
found  our  joys  upon  the  lake.  Daring  and  fearless,  ad- 
mired and  beloved,  happy  at  studies  or  at  play,  I  passed 
through  boyhood  into  youth.  And  through  those  years  my 
sister's  deep  regard  for  the  welfare  of  all  living  things  had 
its  effect  upon  my  mind,  controlling  any  unconscious  cruelty 
which  might  have  lain  dormant  in  me. 

' t  So  passed  the  joyous  days  of  youth,  and  all  too  soon 
I  grew  to  man's  estate. 


74        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

' '  It  was  the  fashion  of  those  times,  Austin,  for  a  young 
man  of  wealth  and  position  to  travel  abroad  for  some  years 
under  the  guardianship  and  continued  instruction  of  a 
tutor,  and  there  the  final  formation  of  his  character  would 
be  made.  At  last  the  day  came  when  I  was  to  leave  my 
fair  Welsh  home,  my  devoted  sister  and  our  beloved  father, 
and,  for  the  sake  of  my  education,  visit  the  continent.  In 
the  Rev.  Horace  Myers  as  my  tutor  my  father  made  a  wise 
choice,  and  to  his  untiring  efforts  to  inform  my  mind,  his 
ethics,  character  and  example  I  owed  my  manhood.  On 
foreign  soil,  imbibing  fresh  ideas,  widening  the  circle  of  my 
experience  in  the  society  of  this  good  man  I  rapidly  un- 
folded and  learned  the  responsibility  of  life  which  claims 
us  all. 

"My  father's  somewhat  sudden  death  cut  short  the 
three  years  to  be  spent  abroad.  I  returned  to  Wales.  I 
deemed  it  right  to  accept  the  responsibilities  now  laid  upon 
me,  and  taking  up  my  duties,  endeavored  to  conduct  myself 
according  to  the  ideals  which  had  been  placed  before  me. 
Embodying  in  my  person  as  far  as  possible  the  full  mean- 
ing of  the  word  'gentleman'  and  maintaining  an  unvarying 
standard  of  justice  and  of  honor. 

"Needless  to  say  dear  Ann  was  delighted  to  have  me 
home  and  great  was  our  mutual  joy  at  meeting,  and  with 
much  delight  she  anticipated  the  day  when,  marrying,  I 
should  settle  down  and  give  Llangollen  a  worthy  msitress. 

"I  assured  her  that  as  yet  I  had  no  thought  of  mar- 
riage, rather  would  I  renew  my  travels  in  search  of  knowl- 
edge and  adventure.  That  none  could  play  the  part  of 
chatelaine  so  gracefully  or  faithfully  as  herself,  and  until 
some  brave  knight  spirited  her  away  I  begged  her  to  remain 
the  doyenne  of  the  castle.  Hunting,  steeple-chasing  and 
hurdle-jumping  took  a  portion  of  my  time  chiefly  for  its 
healthful  exhilerating  effects. 

"Months  went  by.  The  claims  of  my  estate  were 
many.  The  improvements  I  desired  took  more  time  in  their 
accomplishment  than  I  anticipated.  Determined  to  realize 
the  ideals  I  set  before  myself  I  remained  much  longer  at 
Llangollen  than  I  originally  intended.  Then,  finally, 
having  tested  my  plans  and  put  the  whole  estate  in  order, 
I  placed  the  continuance  of  its  working  in  the  hands  of 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        75 

able  persons  whose  integrity  could  not  be  doubted,  and 
turned  my  thoughts  again  to  travel. 

"It  was  with  the  greatest  reluctance  that  my  sister 
bade  me  adieu.  But  despite  her  tears  and  supplications  I 
persisted  in  my  decision.  It  may  be  some  premonition 
warned  her  of  coming  sorrow,  of  the  finality  of  our  part- 
ing, some  foreboding  of  disaster,  an  intuition  of  the  com- 
pleteness of  the  separation.  How  well  I  remember  the 
parting  kiss  I  pressed  upon  her  tear-stained  face.  Dear 
Ann !  The  last  I  ever  gave  her  as  an  embodied  spirit. 

"Often  my  thoughts  were  with  her.  Not  only  in  soli- 
tary meditation,  but  in  merry  moments  also  would  my 
mnid  turn  homewards. 

"Journeying  upon  the  sea  in  those  days,  Austin,  was 
fraught  with  dangers  and  discomforts  of  which  your  mod- 
ern mind  knows  nothing;  filled  with  excitements  also  by 
reason  of  the  risks  we  ran,  and  sailoring  was  a  greater  art 
than  now.  Twice  was  I  wrecked  and  how  I  escaped  drown- 
ing seemed  a  miracle.  On  land  I  had  even  more  adven- 
tures and,  of  course,  more  intellectual  interests. 

' '  I  think,  perhaps,  of  all  the  countries  I  visited,  I  loved 
mostly  those  Latin  states  you  know  collectively  as  Italy. 
But  then,  of  course,  as  separate  from  each  other  as  separate 
countries,  each  with  its  own  laws  and  customs  and  each 
usually  fighting  against  the  other.  This  rather  added  to 
the  variety  of  my  experience  for  I  was  as  good  for  a  fray 
as  I  was  for  a  rout ! 

"The  great  variety  displayed  in  those  days  interested 
me  deeply.  Each  place  was  foreign  to  the  next.  And 
wandering  idly  through  the  different  countries  I  feasted  on 
enchanting  scenery,  picturesque  surroundings,  handsome 
peasantry  and  bright-eyed  children.  Quaint  village  festi- 
vals or  civic  banquets,  processions  by  day  and  night;  in 
fact,  all  the  medley  that  foreign  cities  then  offered  to  the 
eye.  Filled  with  the  keen  observation  of  omnivorous  youth, 
each  day  brought  fresh  interests  with  it,  and  incidentally 
I  learned  not  a  little  in  this  manner. 

"I  think  the  Italian  cities  were  my  great  delight, 
though  Vienna  held  me  for  a  period,  but  Venice,  Milan, 
Florence,  Rome  and  Naples  exercised  the  most  charm  over 
me.  Its  ancient  history  filled  my  mind,  its  present  doings 
caught  me  in  their  web;  its  past  magnificence;  its  present 


16        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

glory;  its  art  in  stone — in  marble  and  in  pigment.  Ex- 
ploring and  inspecting  I  visited  again  and  again  its  archi- 
tectural building  and  all  its  points  of  special  interest  past 
and  present.  I  was  greatly  attracted  also  by  ts  social  life 
and  was  a  recipient  of  that  especial  honor — an  interview 
with  His  Holiness,  the  Pope. 

"But  Venice,  loveliest  city  of  the  Adriatic,  drew  me 
back.  And  after  going  south  as  far  as  Naples,  I  retraced 
my  steps  from  state  to  state,  a  long  and  dangerous  and  dif- 
ficult journey  in  my  time,  Austin,  and  found  myself  again 
in  the  Queen  City. 

"Lovely  days  and  hours  and  weeks  and  months  I 
lived  through — half  in  the  past,  half  in  the  present.  Sur- 
rounded by  an  atmosphere  of  natural  beauty,  interested 
and  amused  by  the  spectacle  of  love,  intrigue,  of  jealousy 
and  also  crime  I  daily  gazed  upon,  I  lived  the  easy  life 
of  a  beholder  rather  than  a  participant  of  that  kaleidoskopic 
panorama.  What  lovely  colors  passed  before  my  eyes. 
What  simple  spaces.  What  infinite  delights. 

"Young,  handsome,  fascinating,  rich  and  generous, 
well-grounded  in  sound  principles  of  life,  small  wonder  that 
I  found  the  world  so  pleasant. 

' '  But  being  all  these  things  I  naturally  did  not  escape 
the  eye  of  mating  mothers.  And  though  at  twenty-five  I 
was  heart  whole  and  fancy  free,  I  can  say  with  absolute 
truth  that  I  had  had  no  light  flirtations,  no  careless  love 
declared  which  might  have  pained  the  heart  or  lacerated 
the  feelings  or  broken  the  affection  of  those  who  would 
have  wooed  and  won  me. 

"I  revelled  in  all  forms  of  beauty  and  enjoyed  them 
to  the  full.  I  kept  my  name  and  soul  unsullied,  and  chiefly 
to  the  teaching  of  my  sister  and  my  tutor  was  the  possi- 
bility of  such  condition  due. 

"Doubtless  the  romance  which  on  all  sides  surrounded 
me  in  Venice  had  some  effect  upon  me,  nor  could  I  deny 
that  I  experienced  sensations  of  mingled  pleasure  and 
amusement  as  I  observed  the  captivating  fair  ones,  in 
gaily  decked  gondolas,  gliding  beneath  the  bridge  of  sighs 
and  past  the  terrace  where  I  sat  half  screened  by  foliage, 
casting  coquettish,  languishing  glances  in  my  direction. 

"The  half-daring,  half -shy  coquetry  and  enticing 
cajolery  exercised  so  often  upon  me  must  certainly  have 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        77 

encouraged  the  awakening  of  those  incipient  germs  of  Love 
dormant  in  every  human  heart,  which  afterwards  in  my 
own  developed  to  their  best  and  fullest  in  the  one  great 
passion  of  my  life. 

"That  passion  did  not  awake  in  Venice.  But  when, 
at  length,  I  decided  to  re-visit  home  and  bade  a  temporary 
adieu  to  the  most  alluring  of  all  cities  I  stayed  awhile  in 
Milan,  and  there  I  met  my  fate. 

"A  bewildering  pair  of  lustrous  dark  eyes,  a  rosy 
mouth,  a  tender  smile,  electrified  the  current  of  my 
thoughts  and  had  the  power  to  overthrow  all  past  deter- 
minings,  and  with  a  magic  key  open  the  golden  gate.  At 
one  single  glance  of  mute  eloquence  from  a  pair  of  glorious 
eyes  I  had  succumbed  to  the  fever  of  undying  love. 

"Yes,  Austin,  five  minutes  before  meeting  the  owner 
of  those  enchantments  I  was  unaware  of  her  existence ! 

"Is  it  possible,  think  you,  to  analyze  thoroughly  the 
cause  and  effect  of  love?  Alas!  Alas!  Love's  sway  is  so 
enchanting,  so  bewitching,  that  wisdom  is  lost  in  its  ex- 
citing grasp ! 

"Trembling  with  emotion,  I  bowed  over  a  soft  white 
hand  which  I  held  in  ecstasy.  And  at  that  moment,  quite 
unbidden,  an  arrow  from  Love's  bow  pierced  two  quivering 
hearts  through  and  through. 

"Thus  we  met,  fair  Valerie  and  I,  at  the  villa  of  a 
handsome  and  intriguing  countess,  leader  of  fashion  and 
of  politics  in  Milan.  I  had,  of  course,  letters  of  introduc- 
tion to  important  personages.  Also  some  reputation  as  an 
Englishman  of  means  and  standing,  and,  being  still  unwed, 
was  ever  welcome. 

"So  enamored  was  I,  I  had  not  heard  the  lady's  name, 
Or  knew  that  I  retained  the  lovely  hand  within  my  own 
until  I  heard  my  hostess  saying:  "Lady  Stanhope's  soldier 
husband,  of  whom  your  countrymen  are  so  proud." 

"I  hastily  released  the  dainty  fingers.  In  as  courtly 
a  manner  as  possible  in  my  agitated  condition,  I  murmured 
some  common-place  remark  and  turned  to  respond  to  the 
taew  introduction,  a  turmoil  raging  in  my  heart. 

My  paradise  was  lost !  The  lovely  creature  was  a  wife 
already,  and  therefore  not  at  liberty  to  be  wooed  and  won. 
A  chilling  blast  swept  across  my  soul — a  dark  and  wintry 
region  lay  before  me. 


78        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

"My  emotion  must  have  been  written  on  my  face,  for 
the  rich  flood  of  color  which  enhanced  the  beauty  of  my 
innocent  captor  receded  rapidly,  leaving  her  deathly  pale 
as  she  bowed  and  passed  me. 

"It  must  be  placed  to  my  credit,  Austin,  that  from 
the  moment  I  knew  that  Lady  Stanhope  was  a  wife  I 
avoided  meeting  her  whenever  possible,  even  to  declining 
invitations  I  would  otherwise  gladly  have  accepted. 

"Of  course,  in  these  circumstances  Milan  ceased  to 
give  me  pleasure.  And  yet  I  felt  unable  to  continue  the 
homeward  journey. 

"Valerie's  lovely  face — the  -knowledge  which  those 
few  seconds  had  conveyed  to  me,  the  certainty  of  her  in- 
terest in  me,  if  only  for  a  moment — made  it  impossible  for 
me  to  anticipate  delight  or  enter  with  any  zest  into  the  sweet 
and  tranquil  life  waiting  me  in  Wales. 

"I  could  not  rest.  Distraction  became  imperative.  I 
must  put  distance  between  myself  and  her  whom  I  could 
never  hope  to  marry. 

"So  leaving  Milan  I  pursued  a  different  route,  and 
moving  southwards  I  came  again  to  Naples,  my  intention 
being  to  visit  Northern  Africa. 

"But  Fate  interposed. 


CHAPTER  IX 

THE  STORY 
( Continued ) 

"I  had  not  been  one  day  in  Naples  when  to  my 
amazement  and  inexpressible  distress  I  found  myself  face 
to  face  with  General  Stanhope  and  his  wife. 

'  '  The  meeting  was  so  sudden  there  was  no  time  to  col- 
lect my  thoughts,  or  be  upon  my  guard.  In  the  excitement 
of  the  moment  I  unwittingly  admitted  I  had  no  imperative 
engagement  or  demands  upon  my  time — in  fact,  that  I  had 
ample  leisure.  Nor  was  it  possible  for  me  to  explain  why 
I  so  earnestly  desired  to  refuse  the  cordial  invitation  ex- 
tended to  me  to  join  them  for  the  day.  So  in  the  end  I 
accompanied  them,  reluctantly  enough,  to  the  charming 
residence  they  had  taken  for  the  season,  a  white  marble, 
balconied  and  terraced  villa,  some  distance  from  the  city. 

"My  host  insisted  upon  my  remaining  to  admire  the 
beauties  of  the  exquisite  Neapolitan  night,  and  on  the  next 
day  some  slight  incident  prolonged  the  visit.  I  discovered 
later  that  General  Stanhope,  for  private  reasons,  looked 
upon  my  advent  as  a  special  act  of  Providence  in  his  be- 
half. I  vainly  struggled  in  the  web  wherein  I  was  en- 
tangled. The  General  seemed  to  sense  that  once  I  left  his 
roof  my  return  would  be  more  than  doubtful,  and  not  in 
the  least  knowing  my  excellent  reasons  for  longing  to 
escape,  he  made  every  effort  to  detain  me.  Against  my 
better  judgment — nay,  against  my  will — I  became  the 
Stanhopes'  guest. 

"Alas,  alas,  what  moth  resists  the  candle  when  its 
compelling  light  burns  brightly? 

"And  truly,  the  peace  pervading  those  sweet  and  ex- 
quisite surroundings  of  loveliness  and  health  which — all 
unbidden — settled  on  my  fevered  spirit,  was  beyond  my 
power  to  repel.  With  an  abandonment  of  truth  might  I 
have  exclaimed,  'My  spirit  lies  within  the  arms  of  Paradise ! ' 


80        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

After  the  hot  fever  of  my  recent  wanderings  I  should  have 
been  more  than  mortal  could  I  have  turned  my  back  upon 
the  Paradise — not  merely  proffered  for  my  acceptance — 
but  thrust  upon  me. 

"I  was  still  morally  strong  enough  to  keep  my  good 
resolutions  and  guard  my  words  and  actions  in  Valerie's 
bewitching  presence,  yet  I  acknowledge  frankly  I  measured 
time  only  by  those  hours  when  my  eyes  could  feast  upon 
her.  To  make  things  worse  I  found  that  General  Stan- 
hope, many  years  the  senior  of  his  wife,  was  very  ready  to 
delegate  to  me  the  torturing  joy  of  acting  Cavalier  when- 
ever he  felt  more  inclined  for  the  companionship  of  his 
books  than  a  visit  to  a  palace  or  an  excursion  in  the  coun- 
try. Though  nearly  thirty  years  older  than  his  wife  he  was 
by  no  means  an  elderly  or  decrepit  man — on  the  contrary, 
he  was  an  early  riser  and  active  walker  and  a  fine  horse- 
man, but  beyond  al  Ithis,  he  was  an  ardent  student  of  his 
profession  and  Europe  was  full  of  war!  He  gave  at  least 
one-half  of  every  day  to  conning  charts  of  battle-fields, 
plans  of  warfare  and  methods  of  attack.  He  was  evidently 
extremely  glad  to  have  happened  upon  someone  who  would 
relieve  him  of  the  duty  of  accompanying  Lady  Valerie  on 
the  many  and  varied  explorations  she  desired  to  make  all 
round  that  wonderfully  interesting  and  historical  old  city. 

"And  so  it  came  about  that,  in  spite  of  all  my  waning 
resistance,  or  fertility  of  excuses,  I  was  deputed  to  escort 
the  lovely  wife  whenever  her  husband  was  unable,  or  dis- 
inclined to  do  so.  With  al  Ithe  naturalness  in  the  world 
we  glided  imperceptibly  into  the  easy  ways  of  daily  inter- 
course, approved  and  smiled  upon  by  General  Stanhope. 

* '  We  walked,  we  climbed,  we  visited  stately  palaces, 
churches  and  temples,  castles  and  wonderful  gardens,  and 
all  the  marvellous  outlying  loveliness  from  Ischia  to  Salerno 
we  explored.  We  floated  idly  over  the  famous  bay,  revel- 
ling in  the  incomparable  beauty  of  the  Neapolitan  moon- 
light and  listened  dreamily  to  serenades  sung  in  the  soft 
dialect  of  Naples: 

"Beauty  before  me  and  around  me, 

Beauty  below  me  and  above, 
Loveliest  thoughts  and  tones  surround  me — 

Is  it  a  marvel  if  I  love? 


[  The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        81 

"  Exquisite  colors,  soft  and  blended, 

Stars  below  me  and  stars  above. 
Songs  of  love,  which  shall  never  be  ended — 

Is  it  a  marvel  if  I  love" 

A  sweet  intimacy,  ripening  e'er  long  into  a  great 
friendship,  was  thus  establashed,  and  truly,  in  Fields 
Elysian,  the  joyous  days  and  beauteous  nights  went  by. 

"  I  set  a  watch  upon  my  heart,  and,  exercising  strong 
self-control,  succeeded  in  maintaining  a  mutual  friendship, 
and  either  with  her  husband  or  without  him,  Valerie  and  I 
were  constantly  in  each  other's  society. 

' '  I  really  think  Stanhope  admired  me  himself ;  he  used 
to  call  me  "The  Handsome  Cavalier",  and  often  said,  as 
an  excuse  for  not  accompanying  his  wife,  "you  make  a 
handsome  couple."  A  noted  portrait  painter,  Pomes, 
Gieolamo  Baloni,  was  visiting  Naples,  and  nothing  would 
satisfy  him  but  that  we  should  be  painted  by  this  artist. 
To  this  I  would  not  consent — some  inward  warning  caused 
me  to  be  immovable  in  my  decision.  But  to  satisfy  my 
friends  I  sat  alone  to  the  great  man,  delighted  to  have  such 
fen  opportunity  of  giving  joy  to  my  sweet  sister  to  whom 
I  intended  to  send  the  portrait.  Before  it  was  completed 
General  Stanhope  expressed  an  ardent  desire  to  possess  it, 
or  at  least  retain  it  while  he  stayed  in  Naples,  and  reading 
the  same  emotion  in  Lady  Valerie's  face,  I  consented  to  its 
remaining  at  their  villa  for  an  indefinite  period — as  you 
know,  Austin,  it  was  eventually  despatched  to  my  sister 
with  the  fatal  cabinet. 

"And  yet,  by  accident,  our  portraits  were  painted  on 
the  same  canvas,  by  an  unknown  artist. 

'  *  I  had  brought  Lady  Valerie  a  gift  of  flowers — a  bou- 
quet of  exquisite  roses.  Not  finding  her  in  the  house  I 
sought  her  on  the  balcony  where  we  often  sat  looking 
down  upon  the  Bay  of  Naples.  As  she  toyed  with  the 
fragrant  blooms  I  must  have  bent  somewhat  over  them, 
gazing  at  her  as  I  did  so.  She  drew  forth  one  lovely  rose 
and  delicately  removed  the  petals  slowly,  one  by  one,  let- 
ting them  fall  upon  the  marble  pavement  in  petty  pro- 
fusion. 

"Unknown  to  us,  other  eyes  beheld  her  action  and 
read  into  the  whole  a  translation  of  their  own,  and  greatly 
daring  a  handsome  itinerant  artist  came  cap  in  hand  to 


82        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

beg  permission  to  complete  in  colors  the  wonderful  sketch 
his  memory  had  produced  on  canvas. 

' l  The  talent  of  this  unknown  fellow  and  the  suavity  of 
his  Italian  tongue  gained  his  point,  and  Lady  Valerie 
was  easily  persuaded  to  sit  for  him  each  day  as  he  had  seen 
her  from  his  screen  of  myrtles.  Promising,  moreover,  not 
to  behold  the  painting  until  completely  finished. 

The  painter  gave  me  the  first  view.  To  my  dismay  I 
discovered  that  the  whole  scene  had  been  depicted  with 
infinite  skill  and  inspiration.  That — artist,  as  he  un- 
doubtedly was — he  had  portrayed  Love's  golden  dream  in 
sunshine  under  an  azure  sky! 

"  Valerie,  as  the  central  interest,  was  most  exquisitely 
defined.  Her  peerless  grace  and  beauty,  the  bewitching 
contour  of  her  form  were  perfectly  displayed;  the  light 
and  atmosphere,  the  glow  and  color  of  flowers,  foliage  and 
drapery  with  unerring  skill  produced  a  rare  and  delightful 
picture,  truly  a  masterpiece  of  executive  ability. 

"But  the  exquisite  picture  could  not  be  shown  as 
promised. 

1 '  Too  accurately  had  the  clever  fingers  painted  me  as 
the  ardent  wooer,  eagerly  awaiting  the  decision  of  the 
Fates!  Too  accurately  had  pierced  the  innermost  recesses 
of  my  soul  and  with  infinite  skill  revealed  its  secret  longing 
on  the  canvas. 

"That  picture  must  be  hidden  from  the  glances  of  all 
comers.  The  story  which  it  told  must  go  no  further — 
must  not  be  breathed  to  the  winds  even,  lest  the  idle  breezes 
lightly  carry  it  and  disclose  my  secret  to  the  world ! 

"Willingly  did  I  pay  the  price  asked  by  the  clever 
artist  for  his  labors,  and  unhesitatingly  despatched  the 
painting  to  my  sister  in  Llangollen,  who,  woman-like,  in 
voluminous  writings  poured  out  herself  in  admiration  of 
her  handsome  brother  and  the  lovely  '  bride-to-be. '  Express- 
ing her  hope  of  my  return  to  Wales  accompanied  by  the 
lovely  lady  of  the  picture  to  whom  she  would  accord  her 
warmest  welcome  and  honor  her  as  the  mistress  of  my  home. 

"To  explain  successfully  to  Lady  Valerie  the  dis- 
appearance of  the  painting  was  no  easy  task ;  she  had  taken 
the  most  lively  interest  in  its  progress  and  most  honorably 
kept  her  word  in  not  endeavoring  to  glimpse  it  at  the 
feittings.  I  had  the  greatest  difficulty  in  covering  up  my 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        83 

action,  only  by  placing  the  blame  upon  the  innocent  artist 
could  I  hide  the  deception.  I  spoke  the  truth  in  saying 
that  the  finishing  touches  were  added  in  his  studio  and  that 
after  receiving  payment  for  his  work  he  had  disappeared 
from  Naples — for  I  had  paid  him  a  goodly  sum  to  leave  the 
city — suggesting  he  intended,  doubtless,  to  sell  the  picture 
for  a  higher  sum  in  one  of  the  nieghboring  states  or  even 
out  of  tlaly  altogether ;  virtually  branding  him  a  rogue  and 
a  liar.  That  he  had  left  the  city  I  knew  full  well.  But 
the  picture  went  to  Ann. 

"Mean  as  you  must  think  me,  Austin,  it  seemed  then 
the  only  thing  to  do.  I  believed  I  was  preventing  an  un- 
happy awakening  for  Lady  Valerie,  and  making  possible 
the  continuance  of  our  friendship,  which  I  realized 
added  much  pleasure  to  her  life,  for  her  soldier  husband 
was  so  engrossed  in  studying  battles,  past  and  present,  that 
without  me  much  loneliness  must  have  been  hers. 

"You  saw  the  pictures,  Austin,  when  you  first  visited 
Hornsworth  and  can  therefore  judge  if  I  was  right.  By  the 
removal  of  that  painting  I  fondly  hoped  to  keep  my  secret 
intact. 

"The  Wars  of  Austrian  Secession  were  in  progress 
and  Britain  taking  the  field  in  favor  of  the  empress-queen, 
Theresa.  General  Stanhope  was  recalled  to  duty,  having 
to  leave  Naples  immediately  to  rejoin  his  troops. 

"To  my  dismay  he  begged  me  to  remain  in  order  to 
leave  with  me  the  responsibility  of  the  safe  keeping  of  his 
wife.  Obviously  any  attempt  to  travel  to  Great  Britain  at 
such  a  time  would  be  fraught  with  many  dangers,  moreover 
his  military  duty  not  calling  him  much  further  than  the 
western  borders  of  Bavaria,  he  deemed  it  better  in  every 
way  for  Lady  Valerie  to  stay  in  Naples,  feeling  confident  of 
his  own  swift  and  safe  return. 

"There  certainly  was  some  truth  in  his  declaration 
that  knowing  I  was  on  the  spot  would  make  him  feel  much 
happier  than  if  he  left  his  wife  with  none  but  foreigners 
surrounding  her. 

"All  my  protests  were  in  vain. 

"Lady  Valerie  herself  took  the  news  very  badly,  beg- 
ging piteously  not  to  be  left  behind ;  rather  to  be  taken  to 
the  neighborhood  of  the  seat  of  war.  A  request  to  which 
her  husband  was,  of  course,  utterly  unable  to  accede.  He 


84        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

tried  to  appear  as  sanguine  as  possible  when  leaving,  in 
order,  no  doubt,  to  raise  her  drooping  spirits.  She  em- 
barrassed him  considerably  by  vehemently  renewing  her 
pleading  to  accompany  him.  Though,  naturally,  he  felt 
delighted  by  her  great  desire  to  be  with  him,  he  was  per- 
force compelled  to  tear  himself  away. 

"  'Remember,  Sir  Francis,'  he  said,  'I  leave  my  sweet 
Valerie  in  your  keeping.  Make  her  as  happy  as  possible. 
Do  not  on  any  account  permit  her  to  mope  and  fret.  I 
trust  you  to  amuse  her.  It  will  not  be  long  e'er  I  return 
and  relieve  you  of  your  responsibility.' 

"I  had  always  imagined  General  and  Lady  Valerie 
Stanhope  to  be  an  affectionate  couple  in  spite  of  the  dis- 
parity of  their  ages,  but  I  was  quite  unprepared  for  the 
outburst  of  feeling  displayed  by  the  lady  on  the  occasion  of 
her  husband's  departure  for  the  war.  Afterwards  I  be- 
Iieve4  I  better  understood  it. 

"I  had  been  the  guest  of  the  Stanhope's  now  for  a 
considerable  time,  but  before  the  departure  of  the  general 
I  betook  myself  to  other  quarters. 

"I  endeavored  to  fulfill,  honorably,  the  sacred  trust 
imposed  upon  me. 

"  Every  day  I  called  at  the  villa  to  enquire  for  Lady 
Valerie,  not, attempting  to  disturb  her  in  her  grief.  When 
at  last  I  saw  her  I  did  my  best  to  cheer  and  raise  her 
spirits,  assuring  her  that  the  war  would  not  be  lasting. 
That  her  husband's  reputation  and  tried  ability  would  be 
a  check  upon  the  enemy  and  hasten  victory.  And  that  it 
was  quite  possible  he  would  soon  be  by  her  side  again  to 
protect  and  cheer  her. 

"To  all  of  which  she  listened  with  averted  face,  with 
hands  clasped,  listless  and  unmoved,  making  no  reply, 
grief  and  weary  patience  expressed  in  every  line  of  her 
drooping  figure. 

.  "I  had  the  mortification  of  seeing  her  grow  daily  more 
pale,  thin  and  languid.  All  my  efforts  proved  of  no  avail. 
Nor  could  I  induce  her  to  take  a  reasonable  interest  in  life, 
or  brighten  her  depressed  condition  in  the  least  degree.  It 
seemed  to  me  a  cruel  fate  that  one  so  young  and  fair  should 
be  compelled  to  eat  her  heart  out  in  solitude  and  despair 
with  no  relief  forthcoming. 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        85 

"As  time  passed  and  matters  did  not  improve  and  I 
failed  to  arouse  even  a  little  interest  in  her  life  I  at  last 
offered  to  escort  her  in  an  attempt  to  reach  Great  Britain 
— the  journey  would  be  perilous  in  the  extreme,  but  I 
would  risk  everything  for  her  safe. 

"She  thanked  me,  but,  shaking  her  head  dejectedly, 
declared  she  had  no  desire  to  return.  I  became  entirely 
at  a  loss  to  know  what  course  to  follow  in  order  to  change 
her  moods,  and  feeling  at  so  great  a  disadvantage  at  last  I 
visited  the  villa  less.  I  could  have  volunteered  for  war,  but 
Lady  Valerie  was  a  sacred  charge — I  could  not  leave  her. 

"I  now  spent  much  time  alone,  making  daily  excur- 
sions into  the  history-charged  environs  of  Naples,  wherein 
truly  the  mind  of  man  may  find  food  for  unending  thought, 
or  rest  his  brain  and  refresh  his  weary  spirit  by  gazing 
from  above  the  city  upon  one  of  the  richest  landscapes  in 
the  world.  There,  upon  the  high  rock,  on  which  is  built  the 
Castle  of  St.  Elmo,  he  may  look  below  upon  the  whole  of 
Naples,  shaped  like  a  theatre,  brinked  by  sparkling  sea 
and  set  about  with  islands  of  rare  beauty.  Or  climbing 
the  steep  hill  which  leads  to  the  Monastery  and  Church  of 
the  Carthusians,  invite  his  eyes  to  rest  upon  one  of  the  most 
varied  and  extensive  vistas  it  is  possible  to  find. 

"And  while  I  mused,  again  and  again,  I  questioned 
myself  as  to  the  cause  of  the  strange,  persistent  melan- 
choly which  consumed  my  lady.  Groping  and  searching 
always  for  some  clue,  so  reasonable  explanation  of  a  con- 
dition so  inexplicable  and  enduring. 

"I  recalled,  as  far  as  possible,  past  words  and  actions, 
conjuring  up  every  detail  memory  would  permit  me,  and 
finally  I  asked  myself,  'Am  7  in  any  way  the  cause  of  this 
despondency?'  I  now  felt  confident  I  was. 

"Then,  in  a  very  different  frame  of  mind,  I  called  on 
Ladv  Valerie. 


CHAPTER  X 

THE  STORY 
( Continued ) 

"I  could  not  recount  to  you,  Austin,  the  words  where- 
by I  endeavored  to  express  to  General  Stanhope's  wife  my 
new  understanding  of  her  sentiments.  You  will  realize 
that  but  for  the  intimate  and  candidly  happy  friendship 
which  had  grown  up  between  us  during  the  long  days  spent 
together  when,  by  her  husband's  wish  we  had  left  him  to 
his  books,  while  mounted  upon  the  lovely  white  Neapolitan 
horses  purchased  when,  he  first  took  the  villa,  we  rode  side 
by  side  far  out  from  the  city,  that  but  for  that,  it  would 
have  been  an  almost  impossible  task  to  put  into  words, 
What  I  now  realized  regarding  Lady  Valerie. 

"  Believing  that  I  understood  the  cause  of  her  ex- 
cessive emotions  at  the  time  of  her  husband's  summons  to 
the  war  and  her  earnest  desire  to  accompany  him,  which 
neither  General  Stanhope,  nor  myself,  had  been  able  to 
appreciate  rightly  at  the  time,  her  husband's  earnestly  ex- 
pressed wishes  and  compassion  for  her  enforced  loneliness, 
blinding  me  to  possibilities,  I  felt  I  had  at  last  grasped  the 
true  condition,  and  not  even  at  the  general 's  bidding  would 
I,  without  his  wife's  full  and  complete  consent,  thrust  my 
society  upon  her.  Not  even  to  act,  as  I  so  sincerely  in- 
tended, the  part  of  a  protector  and  a  friend.  I  loved  her 
too  much  to  willfully  cause  her  the  slightest  pain  or  agita- 
tion which  in  any  way  I  could  possibly  prevent. 

"I  now  saw  quite  clearly  that  she  had  been  placed  in 
a  very  difficult,  if  not  dangerous,  position,  and  that  her 
feminine  intuition  had  warned  her  of  the  perils  to  be  en- 
countered. Therefore,  in  the  best  words  at  my  command, 
I  endeavored  to  express  my  continued  devotion  to  her 
service,  a  devotion  upon  which  she  could  ever  and  abso- 
lutely rely,  and,  while  not  in  any  way  intruding  upon  her, 
to  be  sufficiently  within  call  to  be  at  hand  should  circum- 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        81 

stances  demand  my  presence.  Thus  could  I  keep  faith  with 
General  Stanhope,  while  relieving  Lady  Valerie  of  a  pain- 
ful situation. 

"I  assured  her  I  was  still  her  willing  slave — her  most 
obedient  servant.  Her  Knight  Errant  to  fight  for  and  pro- 
tect her  should  necessity  arise.  Though  out  of  sight,  yet 
ever  at  her  call. 

"I  looked  upon  my  frequent  visits  of  the  past  almost 
as  an  unwarrantable  intrusion,  though  they  were,  indeed, 
made  in  good  faith  and  with  the  most  honorable  intentions. 

"To  all  of  which  Lady  Valerie  listened  with  downcast 
eyes,  while  her  bosom  rose  and  sank.  But  when  I  had  fin- 
ished speaking  she  stood  upright  before  me  and  placing  her 
lovely  hand  on  mine,  thanked  me.  Just  once  she  raised  her 
long,  dark  lashes  and  gave  me  one,  mute  glance,  expressing 
with  her  glorious  eyes  that  which  she  was  unable  to  say  in 
words.  Then  her  lips  quivered,  her  head  drooped,  and  to 
my  utter  dismay  she  turned  from  me  and  wept. 

"My  courage  fled.  Man-like  I  was  helpless  in  the  face 
of  tears.  I  concluded,  naturally,  that  I  must  be  the  cause, 
and  seeking  wildly  for  some  means  of  comfort  and  finding 
none,  I  threw  myself  impulsively  at  her  feet  and  besought 
forgiveness  for  the  grief  I  had  unwittingly  occasioned. 

"As  abruptly  as  she  had  lost  her  self-control  did  she 
regain  it.  And  graciously,  even  tenderly,  bidding  me  rise, 
she  averred  that  there  was  nothing  to  forgive.  That  she 
entirely  endorsed  the  wisdom  of  separation.  Then,  giving 
me  her  hand  to  kiss,  she  said,  '  Farewell. ' 

"Though  I  replied  'Farewell,  I  will  come  again,  Lady 
Valerie,  only  at  your  bidding/  It  seemed  to  me  as  though 
I  was  dismissed — nay,  banished — as  I  left  the  villa. 

"All  the  happy  friendship  was  at  an  end.  All  the  joy 
of  daily  meetings,  which,  of  late  had,  it  is  true,  been  grow- 
ing far  less  frequent.  All  the  hope  of  renewing  our  inti- 
mate companionship,  was  destroyed  forever! 

"Though  it  was  at  my  own  suggestion  that  all  this 
ceased,  I  was  far  from  satisfied  or  happy.  The  remem- 
brance of  the  fact  that  I  had  done  my  duty  did,  I  confess, 
gave  me  but  little  consolation. 

"As  the  hours  and  days  dragged  by  my  misery  deep- 
ened. The  true  value  of  that  sweet  friendship  was  borne 
in  upon  me  now  that  it  seemed  irrevocably  lost.  Expelled 


88        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

by  circumstances  from  the  Paradise  which  daily  intercourse 
with  Valerie  had  become  to  me  it  was  a  thousand  times 
more  precious  to  me  than  heretofore. 

1 '  In  vain  I  endeavored  to  rejoice  that  a  crisis  had  been 
avoided ;  that  untold  sorrow  and  trouble  were  prevented  by 
this  entire  separation.  Destiny  seemed  cruel  and  heartless 
and  I  railed,  futile  and  wild,  against  my  fate. 

"  Doubtless  I  added  to  my  pain  and  prolonged  my 
agony  of  soul  unnecessarily  by  remaining  too  near  the  villa. 
I  could  have  removed  quite  easily  to  a  greater  distance  and 
yet  have  been  within  the  reach  of  a  courier  should  Lady 
Valerie  have  need  for  me.  But  I  remained  just  out  of  the 
city  on  its  northern  slope.  I  felt  I  longed  to  gaze  across 
the  bay  and  know  that,  almost  from  my  balconied  window, 
I  could  descry  the  marble  villa  gleaming  white  amongst  its 
glossy  greens  of  citrons,  orange  and  myrtle  and  inhale  the 
perfumed  breezes  of  its  gardens,  wafted  from  the  south. 

"Day  by  day  I  rode  itno  the  city,  and,  leaving  my 
mount  nearby,  would  wander  in  the  dusk  near  Valerie's 
dwelling,  in  miserable  frame  of  mind  gazing  intently  at  the 
cold,  marble  villa.  I  even  ventured  into  the  groves  and 
gardens,  so  that,  perchance,  I  might  gain  a  closer  view  of 
that  which  had  till  now  delighted  my  vision  almost  every 
day.  My  mind  recalled  the  past,  the  pleasant  hours  spent 
herein,  the  mistress  of  this  delightful  haven,  her  beauty, 
her  charm  of  voice  and  manner,  acknowledging  her  forti- 
tude and  commending  her  decision.  Admitting  fully  that 
for  me,  the  sweet  torture  of  her  presence  would  be  as 
heaven,  compared  to  this  miserable  experience  of  despair 
without  it. 

"Night  after  night  I  kept  my  vigil,  playing  at  sen- 
tinel, imagining  that  I  was  guarding  the  fair  mistress  of 
the  villa.  Tormenting  myself  lest  I  should  be  discovered, 
and,  indeed,  the  danger  was  no  slight  one,  for  had  my 
presence  become  known  I  must  not  renew  my  nightly  visits. 
Yet,  must  I  gaze  once  more  upon  the  window  of  my  lady's 
boudoir,  where,  in  that  sweet  room,  even  at  this  moment  she 
might  be  reclining,  and,  perhaps,  dreaming  dreams  of  me  f 

"Even  as  my  eyes  rested  in  a  lingering  gaze,  a  flood 
of  light  streamed  from  the  window.  A  figure  in  white 
stood  looking  forth  into  the  midnight  blue — the  wonder- 
ful night-blue  of  Naples. 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        89 

" Austin,  I  was  transfixed!  I  could  not  move,  I  dare 
scarcely  draw  a  breath!  It  seemed  a  direct  answer  to 
unspoken  prayer,  that,  at  this  last  vigil  I  should  be  vouch- 
safed a  vision  of  my  Valerie ! 

"Then,  on  the  still,  scented  air  there  fell  a  sound, 
so  soft,  that  only  a  sense  of  hearing  made  most  acute  by 
constant  need  of  secrecy,  could  have  distinguished  the 
words  that  fell  from  those  sweet  lips : 

"  'Frank!    0,  Frank!    Come  back — come  back!' 

"Trembling  and  greatly  agitated,  every  fibre  of  my 
being  thrilled  to  the  low  intensity  of  that  voice.  Dare  I 
reply  to  such  a  call  ?  Should  I  not  go  before  my  presence 
was  discovered?  Yet  how  good  it  was  to  know  I  was  re- 
membered, nay,  more,  that  Valerie  longed  for  my  return ! 
How  I  had  hungered  for  such  knowledge.  I  hesitated, 
and  on  that  moment  rested  all  the  future,  for  while  I  tar- 
ried a  second  utterance  fell  upon  my  ears : 

"  '  0,  Frank !  Love  of  my  heart — how  can  I  live  with- 
out thee?' 

"  'Valerie!  Valerie!'  I  cried.  And  leaping  from  my 
ambush  I  hastened  forward  and  gained  the  villa  and  by 
aid  of  a  strong  vine  which  clothed  the  wall  beneath  her 
window  I  reached  the  balcony  before  its  terrified  occupant 
had  sufficiently  recovered  to  call  for  protection.  My  move- 
ments in  the  shrubbery  had  caused  her  to  retreat  hastily 
from  the  window,  so  that  by  the  time  I  reached  the  case- 
ment, Valerie,  almost  rigid  with  fear,  was  unable  to  sum- 
mon aid. 

"  'Darling,  forgive  me!'  I  cried  in  a  low  voice.  'I 
could  not  help  it — I  had  to  come ! ' 

"She  gazed  at  me  in  terror.  Recoiling  from  me  and 
putting  up  her  hands  before  her  face  as  though  she  would 
shut  out  the  sight  or  thrust  me  from  her,  exclaiming  as  she 
warned  me  back: 

"  'Wretched  creature  that  I  am!  I  little  dreamed 
that  any  ears  save  mine  could  hear  me.  Go !  Go !  I  beseech 
you — go ! ' 

'Darling,  I  cannot  go,  until  you  seal  this  glorious 
revelation  with  one,  sweet  token  of  your  love,'  I  exclaimed 
fervently. 

"Fearful  of  herself  she  sought  my  aid,  crying  out  in  a 
low  voice: 


90        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

* '  '  Oh,  Frank !  Help  me — help  me !  I  dare  not  express 
what  I  feel.  I  know  you  are  a  gentleman.  Spare  me ! ' 

My  answer  was  to  take  her  in  my  arms  and  hold  her 
to  my  heart.  I  pressed  my  lips  on  hers  in  one  long  kiss 
of  love,  to  which  her  own  responded.  Then,  releasing 
her  I  told  her  I  would  not  burden  her  with  my  presence 
other  than  she  desired.  But  that  the  dear  assurance  of 
her  love  for  me,  and  mine  for  her,  would  change  the 
world  for  both. 

I  descended  as  quickly  as  possible  and  passed  into 
the  night.  Life  took  on  a  roseate  hue.  Valerie  and  I 
found  a  new  heaven  and  a  new  earth;  and  light  and 
hope  and  beauty  glorified  our  lives. 

"I  will  not  burden  you,  Austin,  with  details  of  the 
days  which  followed.  Suffice  to  say  we  never  met  alone ; 
indeed,  we  did  not  often  meet  at  all,  but  in  our  spirits 
we  were  ever  in  each  other's  presence. 

"Time  passed.  The  war  was  over.  King  George 
had  led  his  troops  to  victory  in  Bavaria  and  General 
Stanhope  was  expected  home.  I  felt  my  presence  could 
be  no  longer  needed  after  his  return  and  decided  to  re- 
main only  until  he  should  arrive  to  receive  in  safety  his 
beautiful  and  faithful  wife.  Then  I  should  be  free  to 
move  from  Naples,  and  I  knew  my  wisest  course  lay  in 
turning  homewards. 

"Valerie  could  not  be  my  wife.     Though  we  were 

Note:    King  George  II. 

joined  in  spirit — and  no  distance,  however  great,  could 
separate  us — yet  she  belonged  in  body  to  another;  and 
for  our  mutual  peace  it  would  be  better  for  me  to  go. 
Calmly  I  made  my  plans;  calmly  I  looked  forward  to 
the  final  discharging  of  that  duty  which  General  Stan- 
hope laid  upon  me,  and  to  taking  my  last  physical  view 
of  the  beloved  and  lovely  countenance,  which  dwelt  for- 
ever in  my  heart. 

' '  So  steadily  had  I  put  from  me  all  thought — all  pos- 
sibility— of  Valerie  ever  being  mine,  except  at  some  far 
distant  date,  that  I  hardly  realized  its  import  when  first 
the  information  came  of  General  Stanhope's  death,  re- 
sulting from  a  wound  received  in  battle.  Unconsciously 
I  lived,  mentally,  in  the  future.  Knowing  no  other  wo- 
man would  ever  take  Valerie's  place;  no  other  ever  oc- 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        91 

cupy  my  heart — part  of  my  soul  and  spirit;  be  the  years 
many, — even  to  the  full  span  of  mortal  life, — she  would 
be  mine  for  ever. 

"And  now  this  amazing  thing  had  happened! 

' '  Valerie  was  free ! 

"I  will  pass  over  the  days  of  mourning.  I  respected 
Valerie's  grief,  and  did  not  see  her. 

"But  as  the  weeks  wore  on,  I  felt  I  had  the  right  to 
exercise  that  protection,  which — where  love  is  mutual — 
the  heart's  devotion  cannot  fail  to  give.  I  confess  I 
pressed  my  suit  a  little.  And  though,  perhaps,  in  the 
world's  eyes  it  was  hardly  right, — I  persuaded  my  beau- 
tiful Valerie  to  wed  me  before  the  long  period  of  con- 
ventional mourning  had  elapsed.  It  seemed  to  me  that 
full  three  months  was  time  enough. 

"So  Valerie  became  my  wife. 

"We  were  married  privately  in  the  villa.  Valeria 
had  grown  to  love  her  foreign  home,  and  though  now 
Mistress  of  Llangollen  Castle,  she  for  the  present  could 
not  bear  the  thought  of  leaving  all  the  beauty  of  the 
surroundings  where  had  been  born  and  blossomed  the 
real  love  of  her  life.  But  the  exuberant  joy  which  should 
have  been  ours  was  held  in  check  until  the  full  days  of 
mourning  should  be  over;  then, — we  told  ourselves, — 
we  would  go  forth  together  in  no  way  hiding  from  the 
world  our  rapturous  love. 

"A  cloud,  however,  appeared  on  our  horizon.  Va- 
lerie became  unaccountably  sad;  unpleasant  dreams  and 
strange  forebodings  vexed  her;  and,  in  spite  of  every 
effort  on  my  part,  her  depression  became  more  marked 
and  more  enduring. 

"So  agitated  and  unnerved  was  she  at  last  that  I 
was  not  greatly  astonished  when,  late  one  night,  when 
we  were  alone  together  in  her  boudoir,  she  burst  into  a 
flood  of  hysterical  weeping.  I  essayed  to  soothe,  holding 
her  closely  to  my  breast,  where  she  clung,  sobbing  con- 
vulsivly. 

"At  last  she  raised  her  sweet,  tear-stained  face,  and 
exclaimed,  brokenly: 

"  ' Frank,  my  love,  I  fear  some  terrible  catastrophe! 
A  horrible  dread  of  something  happening  to  you!  I  do 


92        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

not  understand  my  feelings.  They  are  nameless,  but  too 
real  to  me.  Forgive,  and  bear  with  me ! ' 

"Hardly  had  she  ceased  speaking  than  we  were  both 
startled  by  most  unusual  sounds, — as  of  horsemen,  or  a 
carriage,  approaching  the  villa.  The  sounds  came  rapidly 
nearer,  then  stopped.  The  loud  clanging  of  a  bell  an- 
nounced the  arrival  of  a  belated  and  insistent  visitor. 

'  'Oh,  Frank!  Who  can  it  be— at  this  late  hour?' 
whispered  Valeria  in  terror.  'Let  us  arouse  the  servants !' 

"  'No,  darling/  I  answered.  'If  they  are  not  already 
awakened  by  such  ringing,  I  will  go  down  and  interview 
the  midnight  visitant.  Grazia  shall  come  to  you.  It  may 
be  a  special  messenger  from  Kinlg  George,  my  love,  re- 
questing your  beauteous  presence  at  his  Court!  And  I 
must  be  the  first  to  inform  you  of  the  honour,  darling!' 
I  spoke  thus  lightly  to  subdue  her  fears.  Bending  I  kissed 
her  sweet  lips. 

"Valerie  clung  to  me,  endeavoring  to  keep  me  with 
her;  but  I  gently  released  myself  from  her  embrace  and 
hurried  out — little  prepared  for  what  awaited  me ! 

"Before  I  reached  the  hall  the  new-comer  had  been 
admitted,  and  was  in  the  act  of  being  relieved  of  his  trav- 
eling cloak  by  a  man — presumably  his  valet ;  some  lug- 
gage was  being  carried  in.  And  my  astounded  vision  fell 
on  the  appalling  sight  of  the  form  of  him,  whom  we  all 
believed  to  be  deceased, — none  other  than  General  Stan- 
hope! 

"I  understood  Valerie's  forebodings  now. 

"As  I  descended  the  broad  staircase  he  turned  and 
faced  me. 

"I  recoiled  with  an  exclamation  of  amazement!  He 
appeared  so  changed,  haggard  and  old. 


CHAPTER  XI 

"The  General  did  not  speak  for  an  appreciable  length 
of  time,  but  peered  at  me  mistrustfully  in  the  dim  morn- 
ing light.  I  stood  in  the  middle  of  the  grand  staircase, 
that  he  had,  before  catching  sight  of  me,  essayed  to 
ascend.  I  could  distinguish  clearly  his  altered  appear- 
ance— his  face  pale,  haggard,  anxious  and  aged.  His 
features  appeared  ghastly  and  the  whole  outline  of  his 
form  and  attitude  was  repellent  to  me :  a  premonition  of 
his  mental  state,  maybe.  His  uniform  crumpled  and 
travel-stained.  When  he  realized  who  I  was  he  shouted — 

"Sir  Francis  Whynn,  by  all  that's  holy! — the  mean- 
ing of  your  presence  here,  sir,  at  this  hour?  Speak,  I 
command  you!" 

I  could  have  better  faced  a  hostile  army  just  then 
than  the  General's  natural,  simple  inquiry.  It  is  so  dif- 
ficult to  inform  a  living  man  that  he  is  supposed  to  be 
dead. 

He  naturally  felt  bewildered,  having  expected  a  dif- 
ferent reception.  The  old  servant,  who  had  arrived  upon 
the  scene,  muttered  an  unintelligible  something,  which 
scarcely  could  be  termed  a  welcome.  It  was  dreadfully 
difficult  for  me  to  explain  that  I  had  been  so  certain  he 
was  gone  for  ever,  that  I  had  married  his  widow.  To 
say  the  least  of  it,  the  situation  was  trying. 

"Come,  you  do  not  speak.  If  you  are  honest,  you 
will  do  so.  I  demanded  an  explanation.  What  are  you 
doing  here  in  my  house,  at  midnight,  sir,  and  trying  to 
steal  away?"  he  added,  sneeringly. 

As  he  spoke  he  drew  and  brandished  his  sword  and 
made  a  feint  that  he  would  strike  me.  Recovering  my 
equanimity,  I  ejaculated  with  dignity — 

"Put  up  your  sword,  General;  there  is  no  need  for 
passion.  I  understood  you  had  been  killed  in  battle.  A 
message  to  that  effect  from  England  was  so  delivered, 
and  accepted  by  everyone  as  truth ;  the  servants  can  cor- 
roborate my  statements." 


94        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

The  whole  household  by  this  time  had  been  aroused, 
and  the  male  and  female  retainers  had  gathered  with 
scared  faces,  in  a  group ;  their  countenance^  pale,  their 
eyes  gleaming  darkly  with  bewilderment  and  apprehen- 
sion in  the  gloom.  I  was  conscious — acutely  so — of  their 
whispered  wonderment.  They  said  to  each  other — "the 
old  master  has  come  back ;  what  will  become  of  the  young 
master  and  mistress  now?" 

Strange  thoughts  chased  themselves  wildly  through 
my  heated  brain — my  whole  being  throbbed  with  per- 
plexed emotion.  It  was  so  unexpected,  this  trying  dif- 
ficulty that  now  confronted  me,  I  scarcely  knew  what  to 
do,  what  to  say, 

"You  contend,"  interrupted  the  General,  harshly, 
"that  you  believed  me  dead — that  everybody  understood 
I  was  defunct.  By  everybody,  do  you  include  my  wife? 
Does  she,  also,  believe  me  to  be  dead  that  you  are  made 
welcome  here  in  my  house  at  midnight,  sir,  ah!" 

"Spare  your  taunts  and  insinuations,  General.  Yes, 
it  is  best  you  learn  the  whole  truth.  Valerie  believes  you 
to  be  dead,  and  by  her  you  were  sincerely  mourned.  Your 
memory  is  as  yet  revered;  but,  feeling  herself  at  liberty, 
she  became  my  wife.  We  were  married  just  three  months 
ago." 


i  i 


Married!  Valerie — to  you!  My  wife  no  longer, 
but  yours!  Good  Heavens,  God  above,  can  this  be  so?" 
he  demanded  brokenly. 

"It  is  true,"  I  reiterated. 

"I  will  not  believe  that  my  Valerie  would  forget  me 
so  soon.  No,  no;  I  see  through  the  scheme,  the  wish  on 
your  part  was  father  to  the  thought.  You  took  no  par- 
ticular pains  to  ascertain  the  facts,  and  you  inveigled  my 
fair  young  wife  into  marriage.  Traitor  that  you  are,  I 
will  not  excuse  you.  The  crime  is  yours,  and  you  must 
pay  the  penalty.  We  cannot  both  live ;  you  shall  die,  for 
I  will  kill  you. 

"General  Stanhope,  you  forget  yourself.  Be  calm. 
— have  patience,  sir,  and  do  not  jump  to  hasty  conclu- 
sions. We  cannot  discuss  these  matters  here  fully  before 
the  servants.  I  will  dismiss  them,  and  then  we  will  con- 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        95 

So  saying,  I  ordered  the  retainers  to  their  respective 
quarters,  and  motioned  the  General  that  I  would  follow 
him  into  the  study,  but,  wilfully  blind  to  everything  but 
his  fury,  he  demanded  reparation — as  he  termed  it — im- 
mediately, and  rushed  upon  me  furiously  with  his  drawn 
sword.  I  repelled  the  attack  somewhat  by  my  calm  de- 
meanour, I  feel  confident,  but  to  small  purpose,  for  he 
did  not  desist  in  his  attempts  to  wound  me. 

His  attitude  was  most  threatening  from  the  first. 
He  was  a  solider,  accustomed  to  dictate  in  a  fighting 
mood,  I  presume.  Anyway  he  refused  to  reason  the  mat- 
ter out,  so  I  suggested  a  duel,  to  take  place  when  he  was 
less  fatigued.  My  considerate  tone  appeared  only  to 
further  exasperate  him. 

11  Protect  yourself,  now,  sir  coxcomb,"  he  shouted, 
lashing  himself  into  a  fury.  "I  have  no  time  to  waste, 
and  cannot  wait  your  pleasure," — so  saying  he  made  a 
desperate  onslaught  with  his  naked  sword  against  me 
forcing  me  back  on  the  stairway. 

The  noise  of  the  altercation,  or  a  desire  to  investi- 
gate the  cause  of  my  long  absence  brought  Valerie  on 
the  scene  at  this  juncture.  If  I  could  I  would  have  spared 
the  dear  girl  the  shock,  but  the  General's  actions  had 
been  so  bellicose  from  the  very  first,  I  had  no  alternative 
but  to  let  matters  take  their  course. 

The  sight  of  the  fragile,  affrighted  Valerie,  appar- 
ently added  fuel  to  the  fire  of  the  General's  rage,  he  bel- 
lowed rather  than  spoke: 

"Ah! — here  you  come,  madam!  You  presumed  my 
death — an  old  man — glad  to  be  rid  of  me,  no  doubt,  but 
I'm  here,  alive,  and  determined  to  avenge  my  wrongs. 
Sir  Francis  Whynn — not  I — must  die;  and  you  must  be 
quite  sure  he  is  dead  too.  You  understand  me?  Dead, 
I  say,  killed  by  me.  See !" 

So  saying,  he  turned  abruptly,  and  without  warning 
made  a  fierce  lunge,  buried  his  keen  glistening  sword 
many  inches  deep  into  my  quivering  flesh.  Oh,  God!  the 
pain  was  agonizing.  I  realized  at  once  I  was  done  for. 
The  torturing  thought  of  Valerie's  sad  plight,  and  my 
helplessness  was  maddening,  and  caused  me  to  writhe 
in  agony  of  mind  and  body.  Great  Scott!  Austin,  Hell 


96        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

hath  not  greater  torments  to  offer  than  I  suffered  in  that 
hour  of  my  despair  and  physical  pain. 

My  brain  reeled — I  dropped  faint  to  the  floor.  I 
could  hear  my  darling  Valerie's  screams  of  anguish  and 
terror,  which  brought  the  alarmed  servants  again  troop- 
ing upon  the  scene.  I  could  distinguish  their  horrified 
cries  and  wild  exclamations  and  anxieties  to  help  me. 

I  made  strenuous  efforts,  in  spite  of  excruciating 
pain,  to  regain  my  feet,  but  all  to  no  purpose.  I  was 
effectually  pinned  by  the  General's  clever  thrust  and 
firm  wtapon — which  fact  appeared  to  give  him  great  sat- 
isfaction for  he  laughed  aloud  in  derision  at  my  futile 
efforts  to  regain  my  feet. 

Poor  Valerie !  She  was  nearly  frantic  with  amaze- 
ment, horror  and  grief,  and  as  she  cried  aloud,  "Oh! 
send  for  a  surgeon,  he  must  not  die!" 

The  General's  rage  was  boundless, — he  acted  like  a 
madman  !  Would  not, — even  from  Valerie, — listen  to 
reason.  All  her  endeavours  were  fruitless.  She  begged 
him  piteously  to  obtain  medical  assistance  before  it  was 
too  late. 

All  this  time  I  was  suffering  untold  agony;  I  be- 
came weak  and  dizzy  from  the  loss  of  blood;  my  head 
sank  lower  upon  the  stairway.  Valerie,  realizing  my 
awful  plight  in  compassion  knelt  beside  me,  and  raising 
my  drooping  head,  placed  it  tenderly  upon  her  fair  bosom, 
while  her  scalding  tears  rained  in  torrents  upon  my  face. 

In  piteous  tones  she  begged  me  to  live.  * '  Oh  Frank ! 
my  love !  don't  leave  me!  don't  die!  stay  with  me." 

By  Heavens!  I  died  a  thousand  terrible  deaths  in 
my  powerlessness  and  physical  suffering  as  Valerie  ut- 
tered those  words.  My  life's  blood  was  flowing  freely, 
to  the  ebb,  and  staining  Valerie's  pretty  white  garments, 
in  spite  of  her  strenuous  efforts  to  staunch  its  copious 
issue.  We  both  felt  in  despair,  yet  there  was  no  help 
for  it!  The  deed  was  done. 

The  trouble  had  come  so  suddenly, — so  unexpect- 
edly,— and  from  such  an  unlooked-for  quarter,  that  all 
we  could  do  was  resign  ourselves  to  the  parting.  Valerie 
pressed  her  lovely  rose-leaf  lips  to  my  burning  brow,  and 
whispered  her  lamentations  and  assurances  of  undying 
affection  even  if  the  worst  came.  "  Frank,  if  you  die,  I 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        97 

die  too,  I  could  not  live  without  you/'  she  declared  and 
kissed  me  passionately. 

I  made  one  firm  effort  to  raise  myself  to  respond  to 
her  embrace,  but  discovered  I  was  unable  to  move,  or 
emit  one  sound.  I  heard  only  faintly  now  Stanhope's 
fierce  curses.  My  power  had  fled, — my  sight  grew  dim 
— I  could  no  longer  view  sweet  Valerie's  exquisite  fea- 
tures. All  was  black,  black  despair!  and  so  I  lost  con- 
sciousness. 

I  remembered  no  more  until  I  awoke  to  find  myself 
upon  a  spotless  couch  in  a  still,  cool  room.  Gazing  around 
me  in  surprise,  and  to  ascertain  if  possible  where  I  was 
located,  I  encountered  the  sympathetic  smile  of  a  kind, 
motherly  lady,  who  tenderly  bent  over  me,  raised  my 
head,  re-arranged  my  downy  pillows,  and  gently  enquired 
if  I  felt  better? 

"As  far  as  health  is  concerned,  Madam,  I  fell  all 
right  ,thank  you,"  I  ejaculated.  "Can  you  tell  me  what 
you  presume  ails  me,  and  where  I  am?"  for  I  fully 
realized  I  could  not  tell  or  even  recall  even  in  the  faintest 
fashion  past  events. 

The  white-robed  lady  smiled  and  soothingly  replied: 
"Here  comes  Dr.  Kellier,  he  will  give  you  the  necessary 
information,  I  believe." 

I  glanced  up  to  view  the  presence  of  a  tall,  fair, 
handsome  young  gentleman,  whose  bright,  blue  eyes 
peered  quizzically  into  mine. 

"I  see  you  are  improving,  Sir  Francis.  My  name  is 
Rudolph  Kellier,  and  at  present  I  constitute  myself  your 
medical  adviser.  Accordingly  I  advise  a  little  more 
rest.  Compose  yourself  for  sleep." 

As  he  said  this,  with  a  winning  smile,  he  waved  a 
shapely  white  hand  over  my  face,  and  some  irresistible 
power  compelled  me  to  sink  again  into  deep  slumber. 
How  long  I  slept  I  am  unable  to  say,  but  when  I  awoke  I 
felt  greatly  refreshed,  quite  strong,  in  fact.  I  moved 
and  gazed  around  me  to  again  encounter  the  kindly 
glances  of  both  doctor  and  nurse.  I  vaguely  wondered 
if  they  had  kept  vigil  whilst  I  slept. 

"Well,  are  you  feeling  all  right?"  the  doctor  cheerily 
enquired. 


98        The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

"Yes,  quite  well,  thank  you.  Where  am  I,  and  how 
long  have  I  been  here?" 

"Good:  An  excellent  number  of  questions  for  an 
invalid.  I  feel  confident  you  are  quite  strong  now.  But 
one  question  at  a  time,  please."  We  both  laughed,  and 
the  doctor  continued :  * '  You  are  in  my  home.  You  were 
brought  here  at  my  request  in  a  helpless  tate,  about  four 
months  ago." 

"Four  months  ago,  doctor;  good  heavens,  I  have 
been  a  serious  patient.  Whatever  could  have  been  the 
trouble  ?  I  cannot  properly  recall  the  past,  though  I  have 
a  dim  recollection  of  being  hurt  somewhere,  and  some- 
how. But  I  feel  much  better  now,  so  dismiss  the  nurse 
and  I  will  rise  and  dress. ' ' 

"Steady,  the  nurse  has  gone,  but  here,  take  these 
garments  of  mine,  we  are  somewhere  of  a  height  and 
size.  Your  clothing  was  terribly  cut  up  and  dreadfully 
bloodstained,  therefore  of  little  service  to  you  now." 

"By  Jove!  yes,  I  remember  Stanhope  stabbed  me. 
Ah !  Valerie,  Lady  Stanhope,  can  you  tell  me  what  be- 
came of  her?  Is  she  safe  and  well?  Give  me  as  quickly 
as  possible  all  the  information  that  lies  in  your  power," 
I  exclaimed,  excitedly. 

' '  Calm  yourself,  Sir  Francis  Whynn.    You  see  I  know 
your  full  title.    The  lady  was  not  killed ;  in  fact,  she  was 
not  physically  harmed  at  all.     She  is  fairly  well." 
"Thank  God!  I  ejaculated,  fervently. 

"Amen.  Please  understand  I  am  your  firm  friend, 
Sir  Francis.  I  have  really  had  a  similar  experience  to 
your  own.  You  see  this,  pointing  with  his  finger  to  a 
deep  livid  mark  on  the  cheek  beneath  the  left  eye.  I 
received  that  wound  in  a  duel.  A  lady  in  the  case,  of 
course.  Altho'  I  vanquished  my  rival,  my  love  affair 
had  a  different  ending  to  your  own.  Anyway  I  did  not 
get  the  prize,  but  I  got  the  opportuinty  to  fight  a  duel. 

"The  lady  jilted  you  after  that,  Doctor?"  I  queried, 
solicitously. 

' '  Not  exactly  that,  but  she  certainly  gave  her  favours 
to  another  man.  I  simply  repeat  my  story  to  give  you 
confidence  that  I  understand  and  sympathize  with  your 
present  condition.  Now  if  you  are  ready  and  willing  I 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet        99 

will  at  once  accompany  you  to  the  home  of  your  fair  en- 
chantress." 

"Kellier,  old  fellow,  I  knew  you  were  a  gentleman. 
You  never  did  me  a  greater  service  in  your  life.  I  would 
like  the  lady  to  know  I  am  well  and  strong  after  the  ugly 
thrust  that  might  have  killed  me,  and  that  I  have  in  no 
way  deserted  her.  I  am  quite  ready. 

"So  is  the  carriage.  Come  along.  I  understand 
your  feelings,  we  shall  soon  be  there ;  at  the  villa,  I 
mean." 

Together  we  entered, — (Dr.  Kellier  and  I)  the  old 
familiar  grounds,  and  presented  ourselves  at  the  very 
portals.  So  eager  was  I  for  egress  that  I  felt  to  be  walk- 
ing on  air.  I  was  on  the  very  tip-toe  of  expectancy.  My 
sweet  love !  What  would  she  say  ?  Would  she  accord  me 
a  warm  welcome?  Did  she  feel  confident  I  was  faithful 
to  our  plighted  troth?  Our  Marrige.  Our  Love,  of  that 
she  could  have  no  doubt.  Still  uneasy  for  her  sake,  yet 
hopeful,  I  permitted  the  doctor  to  lead  the  way.  With- 
out an  obstacle  we  reached  Valerie's  well-remembered 
chamber  door  when  a  torrent  of  thoughts  overwhelmed 
me. 

As  we  stood  there,  awaiting  entrance,  a  page  ap- 
proached and  passed  us  without  a  word  or  glance,  or 
appearing  in  any  way  to  notice  our  presence. 

To  my  surprise  upon  entering  the  apartment,  I  found 
my  love  was  lying  upon  a  bed  of  sickness,  her  pale,  wan, 
delicate  features  waxen  in  hue,  her  splendidly  long  silken 
dark  curling  lashes  resting  lightly  upon  her  sunken 
cheeks.  There  seh  lay  in  a  sleep  that  greatly  resembled 
death,  so  cold  and  still  was  she.  My  heart  felt  frozen 
with  grief  and  despair.  She  had  been  fretting,  I  felt 
sure,  my  darling  Valerie! 

My  conjectures  were  interrupted  by  Kellier 's  voice 
whispering  to  me,  "Speak  and  arouse  her." 

I  eagerly  obeyed,  and  in  tender  tones  of  love  ex- 
claimed, "Valerie,  my  angel  awake.  Your  lover  is  nere, 
look  up,  pet  and  live,  get  strong  for  my  sake  as  well  as 
for  your  own."  With  this  a  smile  illuminated  her  pale 
countenance,  and  obediently  her  glorious  orbs  unveiled 
and  gazed  up  with  a  pleading  glance  into  mine.  A  be- 


100      The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

wildered  expression,  then  a  joyous  gaze  ot  recognition,  a 
glad  cry  and  she  burst  forth  impulsively : 

"Oh  Frank,  my  love,  my  life.  Is  it  you?  I  knew 
you  would  come.  They  told  me  you  were  dead  and  gone 
from  me  for  ever,  but  I  believed  them  not.  I  knew  that 
God  in  His  goodness,  in  answer  to  my  heartfelt  prayers, 
would  let  you  come  to  me.  I  have  suffered  so  much,  but 
I  can  die  happy  now." 

"My  adorable  angel,  you  must  not  die,  I  am  here  to 
assist  you  to  recover.  You  must  get  well  and  strong.  I 
need  your  sweet  companioship,  for  we  are  truly  one.  I 
feel  proud  to  know,  darling,  that  in  spite  of  false  reports 
you  had  faith  in  my  integrity.  I  will  never  desert  you. 
Strive  from  now,  brave  heart,  to  recover  your  wonted 
health,  and  together  we  will  leave  Naples,  and  travel  far 
away  cross  the  deep  blue  sea  to  other  lands  and  climes, 
and  live  in  joy  and  peace  together. 

Her  reply  was  an  almost  hysterical  sobbing  embrace. 
Entwining  her  shapely  arms  around  my  neck,  she 
breathed  rather  than  spoke : 

"Frank,  my  love,  I  cannot  find  words  to  express  my 
joy  at  this,  our  reunion.  God  is  good,  sweetheart.  Have 
you  seen  our  little  treasure,  the  sweet  darling  babe  ?  She 
is  such  a  bonny  wee  thing,  with  eyes,  hair  and  perfect 
features  like  your  own." 

"A  babe,  our  child,"  I  stammered  in  confusion.  "My 
love  what  you  must  have  suffered  alone,  apparently  de- 
serted. 0  Heaven,  I  can  scarcely  realize  it  all.  Believe 
me,  darling,  I  came  to  you  directly  I  was  conscious,  strong 
and  able  to  undertake  the  journey.  Do  forgive  me,  my 
love,  my  life,  for  all  the  sorrow  and  suffering  I  have 
caused  you,  although  I  feel  I  shall  never  be  able  to  for- 
give myself." 

Without  particularly  heeding  my  remarks,  Valerie 
pleasantly  continued:  "You  must  see  the  child,  Frank, 
and  tell  me  if  you  do  not  agree  with  me,  she  is  beautiful. 
Nurse,  bring  baby  here,"  commanded  Valerie. 

To  my  astonishment— (for  I  thought  we  were  alono, 
i)r.  Kellier  having  most  discreetly  retired) — a  tall  young 
woman  in  nurse's  attire,  carrying  apparently  a  bundle 
of  linen,  lace  and  furbelows,  made  her  appearance  and 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whjrn,  Baronet      101 

calmly  proceeded  to  unfold  the  snowy  drapery  and  re- 
vealed to  my  bewildered  gaze  the  tiny  pink  face  of  an 
infant. 

Without  professing  to  be  an  excellent  judge  of  such 
matters,  I'll  confess  that  the  little  one  certainly  possessed 
an  exquisitely  perfect  formation  and  features.  The 
babe's  presence  was  certainly  a  revelation  to  me.  I  was 
lost  in  wonderment.  Breaking  upon  my  reverie,  Valerie 
gently  enquired: 

''There,  Frank,  is  not  our  darling  just  perfectly 
lovely?" 

I  readily  acknowledged  that  the  little  babe  was  a 
real  beauty.  The  fact  is,  as  I  told  her,  I  did  not  know, 
although  possibly  I  ought  to  have  done,  that  such  an  event 
as  the  birth  of  a  child  might  have  occurred.  So,  nat- 
urally, I  felt  confused.  To  my  inexperienced  eye  the 
infant  was  such  a  pretty,  fragile  freature  that  I  dare 
not  touch  it  rashly,  lest  it  would  crumble  or  break.  Dear 
Valerie,  she  just  hugged,  fondled  and  caressed  the  little 
treasure,  handling  it  with  such  skill  that  I  was  lost  in 
admiration  at  her  deftness.  It  was  a  trial  to  me,  I'll 
own,  when  the  darling  girl  raised  the  tiny  mite  and  pre- 
sented its  soft  pink  cheek  for  me  to  kiss.  I  nervously 
passed  through  the  ordeal  without  discredit,  I  trust. 

While  thus  interestingly  engaged,  we  were  inter- 
rupted by  the  entrance  of  a  portly  gentleman,  who  bustled 
into  the  room,  and  whom  the  nurse  hailed  as  ''Doctor". 
The  gentleman  in  question  appeared  very  solicitous  re- 
specting Valerie's  welfare,  scolded  the  nurse  for  permit- 
ting her  to  have  the  custody  of  the  child.  "I  believe  I 
gave  you  strict  instructions  to  keep  your  patient  quiet," 
he  began  sternly,  "and  here  I  find  her  in  an  excited  state, 
nursing.  Remove  the  infant  at  once." 

The  medical  man  had  reckoned  without  his  host. 
Valerie  clung  in  a  desperate  fashion  to  her  little  one,  pro- 
testing vigorously  against  the  separation,  wildly  appeal- 
ing to  me  in  her  extremity:  "Frank,  Frank,  don't  let 
them  take  the  baby,  I  cannot  permit  them  to  take  our 
pet  from  me,  I  cannot  bear  it.  She  is  my  very  own,  ours, 
let  me  keep  her." 

I  strove  to  soothe  Valerie,  placed  a  detaining  hand 
upon  the  child,  and  forbade  the  nurse  to  touch  it.  The 


102      Th'e  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

physician,  seeing"  the  trouble  his  order  had  caused,  altered 
his  tone,  and  in  a  more  gentle  fashion  said: 

"Very  well,  nurse,  let  your  mistress  have  her  own 
way  just  now."  Then,  sotto  voice,  which  I  distinctly 
heard,  "It  really  does  not  matter,  Lady  Stanhope  is 
dying.  She  can't  last  much  longer,  so  prepare  for  the 
end." 

The  good  natured  nurse  burst  suddenly  into  tears, 
and  turned  abruptly  away  to  hide  her  grief. 

I  then  stepped  up  to  the  physician,  exclaiming: 

"Sir,  you  must  be  mistaken  in  your  diagnosis.  The 
lady  will  not  die.  She  will  —  nay  must  —  improve  in 
health.  I  am  here  to  remove  her  from  these  unhappy 
surroundings.  The  child  and  her,  when  she  is  stronger, 
will  come  to  me." 

But  the  man  rudely  pushed  past  me,  and  treated  my 
remarks  with  silent  contempt,  and  after  assuring  Lady 
Stanhope  that  the  child  should  not  be  taken  from  her, 
left  the  room  after  giving  instructions  to  the  weeping 
nurse,  without  a  glance  in  my  direction. 

I  felt  most  indignant  at  being  thus  rudely  ignored, 
and  was  seriously  cogitating  how  to  act  under  the  circum- 
stances, when  Dr.  Kellier,  who  had  noiselessly  as  his 
wont,  I  noticed,  re-entered  the  apartment,  and  touching 
me  on  the  shoulder,  gently  yet  commandingly  said, 
"Raise  Valerie  in  your  arms  bodily  from  the  couch,  the 
nurse  will  take  the  child." 

I  hastened,  wonderingly  to  obey.  I  followed  his  in- 
structions to  the  letter,  for  he  was  very  explicit  in  his 
orders,  advising  me  to  be  very  careful  not  to  give  the 
body  a  shock. 

"She  has  fainted,  you  observe,"  he  commented,  "but 
I  want  you  to  carry  her  to  our  carriage,  and  I  will  have 
her  properly  attended  to  on  our  arrival  home. ' ' 

This  was  good  news.  Kellier  had  done  so  very  much 
for  me  that  I  had  implicit  faith  in  his  ability  to  cure  Va- 
lerie. 

"Thanks,  old  fellow,"  I  whispered,  fervently,  as  T 
lifted  my  precious  burden  from  her  snowy  bed.  "She 
will  soon  recover  from  her  indisposition,  whatever  it  is, 
if  you  put  your  skill  into  operation." 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet       103 

Strange  to  say  Valerie  opened  her  eyes  smiled 
sweetly  when  she  saw  me,  re-entwined  her  arms  lovingly 
around  my  neck,  thus  making  my  delightful  task  the 
lighter.  She  seemed  to  melt  into  my  embrace  as  it  were, 
and  appeared  so  ethereal  and  pure  like  a  waxen  lily. 

"Oh  Frank,"  she  whispered  sweetly,  "I  am  ready  to 
accompany  you,  take  me  to  heaven,  but  bring  our  baby 
too.  Don't  leave  her  love,  to  be  sneered  and  scoffed  at, 
let  us  take  her  now." 

I  hesitated,  and  glanced  beseechingly  at  Kellier,  as 
I  asked  about  the  infant.  Valerie  wants  the  baby,  may 
we  take  her  also?" 

"One  thing  at  a  time,"  the  Doctor  answered,  grimly. 

*  *  You  do  as  I  tell  you  at  present,  I  will  attend  to  the 
child's  welfare  later.  The  mother's  wellbeing  is  of  the 
greatest  importance  just  now." 

Without  further  parley  I  proceeded  again  to  raise 
Valerie  from  her  downy  pillows.  Her  head  at  length 
rested  upon  my  breast,  her  dark  waving  tresses  fell 
around  her  perfect  face  in  sweet  profusion,  stray  strands 
coyly  curled  up  and  touched  my  cheeks.  Her  eyelids 
closed  as  though  in  sleep,  which  appeared  as  restful  and 
peaceful  as  a  child's. 

To  my  utter  amazement,  however,  as  I  removed  my 
darling  from  the  yielding  bed,  I  saw  there  were  two 
Valeries,  one  warm,  living,  lovingly  clasped  in  my  arms, 
the  second  lying  cold  and  still  rigid  as  in  death,  the  coun- 
tenance as  white  as  the  damask  sheets  it  pressed.  The 
sight  alarmed  me  and  for  a  moment  I  was  unable  to  stir 
a  limb.  Dr.  Kellier,  observing  my  perplexity,  smiled  an 
enigmatical  smile,  but  gently  beckoned  me  forward  with 
my  precious  burden. 

Just  then  a  number  of  persons  passed  me  and  rushed 
hurriedly  into  the  room,  and  I  heard  the  sounds  of  loud 
sobbing  and  lamentations,  and  the  words  distinct  and 
clear  rang  out,  "Lady  Stanhope  is  dead."  I  glanced 
lovingly  down  at  my  charming  love,  and  felt  it  was  my 
turn  to  smile,  for  she  was  not  dead,  but  sleeping.  I  hur- 
ried forward  until  I  rested  with  her,  still  in  my  arms,  in 
the  waiting  vehicle,  which  in  a  short  span  of  time  drew 
up  at  Dr.  Kellier 's  imposing  residence,  and  two  female 
attendants  relieved  me  of  the  unconscious  Valerie.  The 


104      The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

young  Doctor  followed  them,  motioning  me  to  remain 
where  I  was. 

I  was  alone  with  my  burning  thoughts.  How  very 
strange  and  mysterious  the  past  events  appeared. 

I  turned  over  in  my  mind  the  inexplicable  matters 
I  had  witnessed  without  discovering  an  adequate  solu- 
tion to  the  mystery.  I  hailed  the  Doctor's  return  with 
delight — made  enquiries  after  his  patient,  and  then 
plunged  at  once  into  the  subject  that  troubled  my  mind. 

"Doctor,  please  explain  the  paradoxied  appearance 
of  two  Valeries.  I'll  acknowledge  I  am  truly  mistified 
by  that  phenomenon  beyond  measure.  I  held  one  form, 
yet  there  was  another  alike  yet  unlike.  If  possible,  tell 
me  the  meaning  of  such  a  remarkable  occurrence." 

"Yes,  I  will  endeavor  to  explain,  although  I  am  not 
surprised  you  do  not  understand.  You  see,  I  have  not 
yet  informed  you  that  you  are  also  dead." 

"Dead?  What  do  you  mean?  Man!  I  am  anything 
but  dead  or  lifeless,  inanimate,  defunct,  cold,  still,  etc.  I 
fail  to  grasp  the  situation." 

Kellier  broke  into  a  hearty  if  disconcerting  laugh. 

"It  is  an  awkward  task  for  me  to  try  to  persuade 
you  that  you  are  defunct,  for  appearances  are  against 
my  statements,  but  for  all  that  you  are  dead,  demised, 
so  considered  by  the  denizens  of  the  physical  world. 
Your  spirit  or  real  self,  left  your  body  after  that  ugly 
wound  you  received  from  General  Stanhope's  sword,  a 
few  months  ago,  and  your  mortal  remains, — just  as  your 
sweetheart's  will  be, — were  interred  in  the  burial  grounds 
at  Naples.  The  Ego  or  self-consciousness,  is  unable  to 
retain  a  hold  upon  its  fleshly  tenement  or  body  when  the 
vital  force  is  dispersed,  which  happened  hi  your  case 
through  the  loss  of  blood,  but  you, — like  your  fair  lady, — 
have  sustained  the  shock  termed  ' death',  and  you  have 
renewed  your  wonted  vigor,  for  it  is  quite  evident  'Rich- 
ard is  himself  again'.  Do  not  forget,  Whynn,  that  I  was 
once  pronounced  dead ;  that  was  after  the  duel  I  men- 
tioned to  you." 

"And  Valerie,  she,  you  say,  has  just  passed  through 
the  same  miraculous  change,  is  she  dead,  and  is  that  the 
reason  why  I  saw  the  two  forms  of  my  fair  love  so  dis- 
tinctly?" I  interruptingly  inquired. 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet      105 

"Yes,  that  is  so." 

' '  Great  heavens !  Kellier,  truly  there  are  more  things 
in  earth  and  heaven  than  can  be  dreamed  of  in  man's 
philosophy. ' ' 

"Whynn,  old  fellow,  although  you  may  not  realize 
it,  we  are  ghosts.  That  is  what  our  late  associates,  even 
your  loved  ones  who  mourned  distractedly,  your  physical 
loss,  would  term  us,  if  we  again  essayed  to  revisit  our 
old  haunts  in  the  physical  world!  And  yet  there  is  very 
little  of  the  unsubstantial  about  either  of  us,  judging  by 
appearances,  now  is  there?" 

"Well  really,  Doctor,  it's  very  puzzling.  How  can 
I  ever  hope  to  successfully  grapple  with  the  problems,  I 
wonder?"  I  blurted. 

"Don't  try  my  boy,  let  circumstances  be  your  en- 
lightener. ' ' 

"Oh  Kellier,  I  am  fully  cognizant  of  your  kindness 
to  both  Valerie  and  myself,  you  are  an  angel,  a  tutor,  and 
faithful,  unselfish  friend  rolled  into  one.  I  feel  just  three 
times  alive,  anything  but  inanimate.  My  emotions  are 
intense.  I  long  to  dive  into  these  mysteries,  ask  a  thou- 
san  dquestions  concerning  them.  Therefore,  I  beg  in- 
dulgence, I  must  upon  your  patience  and  kindness  con- 
tinue to  draw  if  you  will  permit  me.  Pray  tell  me  in 
that  horseless  carriage,  by  what  power  we  travelled  and 
arrived  at  the  handsome  old,  familiar  villa?" 

"To  give  you  some  small  idea  of  how  we  travelled, 
I  may  say,  we  were  propelled  through  space  by  electricity 
in  the  quicker  and  clearer  vibrations  at  lightning  speed, 
my  vehicle  being  fitted  with  mechanical  appliances  de- 
signed for  the  purpose.  You  and  I  had  ben  prepared, 
magnetised,  reclothed,  with  a  semblance  of  flesh  or  mat- 
ter, i.  e.,  chemically  prepared,  solidified  material,  con- 
taining the  component  parts  of  the  substances  that  go  to 
form  an  ordinary  human,  physical  organism.  Thus 
equipped  we  were  without  difficulty  enabled  to  re-enter 
the  grosser  atmosphere  of  the  earth  plane  and  success- 
fully accomplish  our  mission. ' ' 

Necessarily  we  were  invisible  to  all,  excepting  those 
whose  spiritual  natures  had  been  aroused,  quickened  and 
developed  to  perceive  the  denizens  of  the  psychic  world. v 


106      The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

"Eh!  Gad,  Kellier,  it's  marvellous,"  I  exclaimed. 

"For  instance,  no  one  excepting  your  wife  saw  you 
in  that  chamber  of  death.  The  lady  did  not  even  see 
me,  her  deep  love  for  you  assisted  considerably  to  arouse 
and  unfold  her  dormant  psychic  faculties.  You  see  her 
spiritual  counterpart  Ego,  or  real  self,  was  preparing  to 
vacate  its  mortal  tenement;  her  grief  at  your  tragic  end 
and  the  premature  birth  of  her  child  the  cause.  Your 
presence  and  undivided  affection  gave  the  necessary 
stimulus  to  fully  awaken  the  latent  powers  of  spirit  per- 
ception, she  saw  and  fully  recognized  you,  ere  she  'shuf- 
fled off  the  mortal  coir  ",  as  Shakespeare  puts  it. 

"That  accounts  then  for  that  pompous  physician's 
rude  behavior  to  me.  He  did  not  know  of  my  presence, 
I  presume." 

"That  is  so.  The  nurse  and  the  doctor  were  both 
absolutely  unconscious  of  your  presence.  Both  seeing  and 
hearing  the  invalid  behave  as  though  she  was  holding 
converse  with  empty  air,  they  concluded  her  hour  had 
come  and  refused  her  nothing,  as  is  the  custom  at  the 
death  bed  of  mortals." 

"Thanks  ever  so  much,  I  thoroughly  appreciate  your 
hlcid  explanation,  but  it  does  appear  strange  to  try  to 
think  of  one's  self  as  dead,  for  really,  old  chap,  I  must 
say  I  never  felt  more  alive  in  the  whole  course  of  my 
existence. ' ' 

"That's  all  right,  you  appear  exceptionally  lively, 
for  one  who  has  been  ruthlessly  killed  and  declared  de- 
funct, you  know." 

' '  Kellier  you  are  a  brick,  I  shall  be  eternally  obliged 
to  you.  Believe  me,  I  shall  never  forget,  and  if  oppor- 
tunity presents  itself  I  shall  endeavor  to  repay  your  kind- 
ness. I  require  a  little  more  information,  I  trust  you 
will  bear  with  me.  I  would  like  to  know  how  I  am  to 
acquaint  Valerie  with  these  marvellous  truths,  and  con- 
vey the  intelligence  that  she  is  considered  a  ghost  or 
'dead'?" 

"Don't  worry  yourself  too  much  concerning  the 
lady's  enlightenment.  There  will  be  no  great  difficulty 
to  contend  with,  I  assure  you.  Women  naturally  possess 
the  intuitive  faculty.  They  instinctively,  as  it  were,  un- 
derstand these  delicate  matters.  Men  rarely  relish  the 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet       107 

idea  of  suddenly  having  become  angels,  or  ghosts.  Wo- 
men take  to  the  notion  like  ducks  to  water.  You  shall 
test  the  matter  for  yourself  shortly.  In  the  meantime,  I 
would  like  to  explain  that  being  signalled  for  by  the 
guardians  of  the  watch-tower,  whose  pleasure  and  duty 
it  is  to  keep  vigil  and  guard  the  border-land  in  spirit 
life:  to  render  aid  or  assist  in  any  way  those  helpless 
souls  who  by  accident  or  design  have  been  ejected  from 
their  corporeal  bodies  into  the  psychic  realm, — at  the 
time  of  your  cruel  demise,  I  took  your  case  in  hand,  made 
enquiries  as  to  the  cause  of  the  quarrel,  etc.,  and  ac- 
cordingly am  prepared  at  the  present  time  to  offer  you 
hospitality  and  advice. 

"The  reason  you  were  not  aware  you  had  left  your 
body  was  because  I  had  taken  precautions  to  have  you 
thoroughly  well  magnetised,  and  by  mental  suggestion 
induced  a  deeper  unconsciousness  than  what  had  taken 
place  by  loss  of  the  vital  force,  etc.  I  aroused  you  from 
the  trance  only  when  I  considered  it  necessary,  again 
deepening  your  death  sleep.  The  last  time  I  took  partic- 
ular care  to  arouse  memory  so  that  you,  without  shock, 
could  recall  past  events.  Do  not  think  me  presumptions. 
Not  from  idle  curiosity,  but  to  endeavor  to  become  your 
benefactor,  I  have  made  myself  fully  acquainted  with 
your  past  history,  and  will  here  and  now  predict  a  happy 
future  for  you  and  your  soul's  mate.  I  am  delighted  to 
have  been  the  means  of  bringing  about  the  pleasurable 
reunion,  and  be  the  first  to  bid  you  welcome  to  the  bright 
celestial  regions  of  Love  and  Life." 

"Presumptions  indeed!  My  dear  Doctor,  you  have 
overwhelmed  me  with  your  noble  consideration.  I  feel 
confident,  althou'  you  have  endeavored  to  so  lightly  pass 
over  your  magnificent  work  that  you  have  accomplished 
a  great  deal,  overcome  tremendous  obstacles  for  Valerie's 
and  my  sake.  My  feelings  are  too  great  for  expression, 
I  am  truly  grateful,  believe  me.  I  would  like  to  ask  you 
one  very  pertinent  question:  What  am  I  to  do,  now  I 
am  here  in  Spirit-land?" 

"Ah!  that  is  a  matter  that  will  require  further  con- 
sideration. In  the  meantime  consider  yourself  my  very 
welcome  guest.  Look  upon  this  establishment  as  your 
home.  The  lady  to  be  installed  as  mistress.  I  shall  oc- 


JOS      The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

cupy  only  a  small  corner.  Now,  Whynn,  old  fellow,  spare 
me  the  thanks,  I  have  been  repaid  a  thousand  times  al- 
ready. I  am  charmed  to  know  I  have  been  instrumental 
in  assisting  two  such  loving,  faithful  souls.  Ah  who 
comes  here?" 

At  that  moment  a  nurse  glided  into  our  presence  and 
in  dulcet  tones  ejaculated: 

' '  The  lady  is  awake,  Doctor,  and  calling  for  Frank. ' ' 

"All  right  nurse.  Sir  Francis,  you  are  at  liberty  to 
visit  your  wife." 

I  needed  no  second  bidding.  Eagerly  I  pressed  for- 
ward, rushed  past  the  attendant,  and  once  more  clasped 
in  loving  embrace  my  darling  Valerie.  What  a  trans- 
formation from  the  pale,  sickly  appearance  of  the  death- 
chamber,  to  that  of  a  lovely  goddess,  the  personification 
of  beauty  and  health.  Her  incomparable  beauty,  height- 
ened and  enhanced  by  a  million  graces,  her  diaphanous 
snowy  garments,  tastefully  draped  to  cunningly  conceal, 
yet  reveal  her  perfect  form;  her  luxurious  dark  tresses 
simply  arranged  and  prettily  decorated  with  perfect 
specimens  of  the  queen  of  flowers,  while  clusters  of  bright, 
delicate  pink  roses  nestled  tenderly  at  her  faultless  throat 
falling  in  profusion  over  the  folds  of  her  fleecy  robe.  To 
me  she  appeared  an  entrancing  picture  of  idealistic  youth 
and  beauty,  lovely  beyond  compare. 

"Frank,  my  love,"  she  blushing,  exclaimed  as  she 
faltered  under  my  admiring  glances,  "what  a  glorious 
change  for  us,  we  are  really  in  Heaven  now,  we  need 
never  part,  need  we?" 

"But  husband  mine,  there  is  just  one  thing  missing, 
our  darling  baby.  I  love  her  so,  I  could  not  be  truly 
happy  without  her.  Forgive  me  love,  but  it  is  the  truth, 
she  ought  to  be  with  us,  let  me  have  her.  Frank,  promise 
me,  I  know  you  will  refuse  me  nothing.  Let  me  have  my 
child."  This  was  said  so  coaxingly. 

"My  angel  bride,  you  shall  be  denied  nothing.  If 
1  have  any  power  in  Heaven  here,  or  on  the  earth  below, 
the  little  one  shall  be  in  your  possession  in  quick  time," 
I  declared,  rather  boastfully,  I  fear. 

Nevertheless  I  excused  myself  and  had  another  in- 
terview with  Kellier,  and  to  my  inexpressible  joy,  the 
Doctor  agreed  to  take  us  with  him  to  fetch  the  babe. 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whyiui,  Baronet       109 

Once  again  together  we  traversed  space  in  a  magnificently 
fitted  up  conveyance  and  by  means  of  a  glistening  lever 
we  were,  after  being  quickly  propelled  through  waves  of 
ether,  brought  to  a  standstill  in  the  grounds  of  that  well 
remembered  tragical  villa,  and  entered  without  inter- 
ference a  darkened  chamber.  Strange  to  relate  we  had 
returned  to  the  ancient  mansion  at  the  precise  period 
when  the  interment  of  my  fair  Valerie 's  body  was  taking 
place. 

The  tiny  infant  in  a  dainty  cot  was  being  faithfully 
guarded  by  Valerie's  late  maid — whose  eyes,  true  soul, 
were  red  with  weeping.  As  we  drew  near  the  cot  and 
took  a  close  survey  of  the  innocent  inmate  we  distinctly 
heard  the  maid's  sobs  and  lamentations  at  the  loss  of 
her  erstwhile  mistress.  We  naturally  relied  upon  Dr. 
Kellier's  instructions  how  to  order  ourselves  in  this  deli- 
cate task.  It  was,  I  can  assure  you,  Austin,  a  marvellous 
experience  for  Valerie  and  myself. 

The  clever  Doctor  ordered  the  mother  to  speak  to 
her  child.  This  sweet  Valerie  did  instantly,  with  the 
result  that  the  tiny  babe  responded  with  a  dimpling 
smile  as  though  it  recognized  its  mother  was  near.  I 
could  see  the  young  mother's  joy,  her  deep  emotions, 
and  felt  convinced  Valerie  could  never  nave  consented 
to  a  long  separation,  even  for  the  child  to  have  gained 
what  Dr.  Kellier  termed  ''An  earthly  experience." 

"No,  this  pretty  creature  was  the  offspring  of  pure 
love,  the  babe  of  true  desire,  the  first  born  of  our  pure 
affection,  the  mother's  treasure.  The  earthly  surround- 
ings had  faded  from  my  mind  as  it  were  by  the  thrilling 
responses  to  my  darling  love's  sweet  emotions,  so  that 
I  forgot  where  I  was  and  our  purpose,  but  I  was  aroused 
from  my  reverie.  The  maid  was  speaking  with  tears  in 
her  voice: 

"Ah!  poor  child,  I  see  you  are  laughing  in  your  in- 
nocent sleep.  Can  you  see  angels,  I  wonder,  that  you 
smile  so  sweetly?  Maybe  your  beautiful  mother  is  near 
watching  over  you.  Poor  lamb,  it's  a  pity  she  does  not 
take  you  to  heaven  with  her,  you  are  not  wanted  here.  I 
heard  General  Stanhope  term  you  a  squalling  brat,  he 
hates  you  I  know." 


110       The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

I  saw  Valerie  blanch  and  recoil,  she  felt  faint  with 
anguish.  I  hastened  to  support  her,  whispering  words 
of  consolation  and  affection  for  her  and  our  babe.  We 
needed  no  further  stimulus  after  the  nurse's  remarks  to 
determine  our  actions.  To  have  the  infant  at  once  re- 
moved from  such  an  unholy  atmosphere  was  our  desire. 
Dr.  Kellier  immediately  responded  to  our  request  by  in- 
ducing a  deep  mesmeric  sleep  to  fall  upon  the  faithful 
attendant.  He  then  dexterously  raised  the  child  from  its 
pretty  bed,  quickly  severed  the  silver  cord  of  physical 
life  that  bound  the  infant  to  its  fleshy  body.  The  babe 
gave  one  convulsive  shudder,  and  pursed  its  features  as 
though  in  pain,  then  gave  up  the  ghost.  The  more  beau- 
tiful spiritual  counterpart  was  placed  in  Valerie's  wait- 
ing arms,  and  the  joyous  young  mother  clasped  to  her 
palpitating  bosom  her  precious  babe. 

"Need  I  enlarge  upon  this  subject,  Austin?  Tell  you 
how  our  infant  grew  in  beauty,  repeat  her  childish  prat- 
tle, tell  of  her  cuteness,  winsomeness  and  love,  and  her 
first  lisping  words  when  she  faltered  'Mamma',  'Dadda'. 
With  confidence  I  can  say  as  she  grew  she  daily  unfolded 
in  grace  and  beauty.  Our  greatest  difficulty  was  to  de- 
vise a  suitable  name,  for  she  was  such  a  Juno,  Diana, 
Venus,  and  Hebe  rolled  into  one.  The  personification  of 
purity,  beauty,  love  and  perfection,  a  delightful  and 
charming  companion  for  us  both.  By  mutual  agreement 
at  last  we  named  her  "Virginia." 


CHAPTER  XII 

"Now  you  would  imagine  we  would  have  settled 
down  to  live  happy  ever  after;  not  so;  peace,  perfect 
peace,  was  not  ours  yet.  Some  time  after  I  had  become 
settled  with  my  wife  and  child  in  our  spiritual  home,  a 
real  and  substantial  dwelling,  and  had  received  a  special 
visit  from  my  angelic  and  beloved  parents,  a  host  of  rela- 
tives and  friends,  at  the  request  of  my  sister  Anne  I 
undertook  the  task  of  preparing  for  a  long  journey  to 
earth ;  my  sister  was  desirous — anxious — that  I  should 
obtain  possession  of  those  defamatory  papers  which  had 
been  sent  to  her,  and  still  reposed  in  the  walnut  cabinet 
at  Hornsworth  Castle. 

* '  Frank,  I  want  you  to  go  and  destroy  those  papers, ' ' 
Anne  asserted,  and  her  desire  was  a  command.  I  con- 
ferred with  Father  and  Mother  and  Valerie,  who  readily 
agreed  to  the  plan. 

In  the  firast  place,  before  entering  upon  such  an 
important  task  as  abstracting,  handling  and  altering 
material  documents,  however  important  or  detrimental 
to  one's  good  name,  it  was  very  necessary  to  take  a 
course  of  lessons,  to  study  the  laws  governing  spirit 
manifestations  and  power,  to  successfully  combat  earth 
force  and  use  all  physical  substances.  The  ethereal  body,, 
although  very  substantial,  is  more  delicate  in  texture  and 
more  highly  tuned  to  quicker  vibrations  than  the  cor- 
poreal one.  Therefore,  the  difficulties  to  be  encountered 
in  the  grosser  atmosphere,  or  air  pressure  of  the  physical 
realm  musty — if  one  out  of  the  physical  body  is  to  remain 
in  it  for  any  length  of  time, — be  overcome  by  practical 
knowledge  of  weight  and  resistance,  experience  of  which 
can  only  be  gauged  and  acquired  by  expert  experiments. 

Our  kind  friend  and  noble  adviser  Doctor  Kellier 
again  came  to  my  assistance  and  readily  undertook  the 
task  of  enlightening  me  into  the  mysteries  of  rehabilita- 
tion of  the  fleshy  body.  Also  together  we  formulated  a 
plan  of  campaign  in  respect  to  the  whole  matter  of  repara- 


112      The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

tion  or  restitution  for  my  past  injuries.  Before  I  ven- 
tured into  the  physical  realm  I  had  perforce  to  learn  the 
science  of  anatomy  and  reproduction  of  human  flesh  and 
bony  structure,  with  the  nucleus  or  protoplasms  for 
muscles,  sinews,  tissues,  blood,  skin,  etc.  ,all  the  material 
that  goes  to  chemically  construct  a  human  physical  frame. 
Dr.  Kellier  carefully  prepared  and  liquidized  all  of  the 
essential  chemical  compounds,  the  constituent  elements 
that  go  to  compose  the  component  parts  of  a  fully  devel- 
oped corporeal  form  for  my  use.  I  had  the  whole  body 
•of  a  real  fleshly  man  in  liquid  form,  sealed  in  a  psychic 
receptacle. 

By  this  material  it  was  possible  with  knowledge  of 
correct  proportions,  etc.,  to  clothe  oneself  with  a  substan- 
tial coating,  or  semblance  of  flesh  for  manifesting,  that  is, 
being  seen  by  mortals  in  a  substantial  way. 

I  was  duly  instructed  by  the  Doctor  how  to  manipu- 
late these  precious  compounds.  How  to  deftly  handle  the 
chemical  substances,  liquids,  and  luminosity,  so  as  to 
manifest  myself  in  a  fully  materialized  body,  even  to 
correct  proportions  of  height,  shape  and  minute  details 
of  original  style  of  dress,  etc.  In  darkness  or  full  light 
of  day,  to  do  the  work  regally,  you  understand. 

I  may  tell  you  a  spirit-man  is  much  larger  in  pro- 
portion, than  a  physical  one.  He  unfolds  or  develops 
after  discarding  his  fleshly  tenement  and  becomes  larger 
and  more  perfect. 

I  was  now  prepared  for  quite  an  achievement.  A 
fascinating  study  of  the  practical  methods  of  artistic 
plastic  clay  work.  Like  a  good  actor,  I  had  to  learn  how 
to  make  up.  I  can  assure  you,  Austin,  manifesting  on 
the  mundane  plane  would  have  been  very  simple,  easy 
in  the  extreme,  if  I  had  been  content  to  follow  the  line 
of  the  least  resistance  and  appear  to  human  eyes  in  the 
regulation  garb  of  a  voluminous  white  robe  with  hood  or 
cowl  pulled  well  over  head  and  face  to  partially  conceal, 
yet  reveal  the  upper  part  of  the  features— be  a  phantom 
—play  the  ghost,  as  it  were. 

Prom  the  first  intimation  of  the  idea  of  personally 
visiting  General  Stanhope,  I'  determined  to  accomplish 
my  purpose,  in1  my  own  particular  fashion,  by  discard- 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet       113 

ing  the  spectre  idea  and  substituting  my  own  method  of 
procedure. 

Therefore,  I  departed  after  a  protracted  farewell  of 
my  loved  one,  fully  equipped  from  the  spiritual  realm 
and  with  knowledge,  material,  and  a  retinue  of  spirit- 
men,  that  were  experts,  yet  were  my  willing  attendants. 
These  included  adepts,  masters  in  the  past  arts  of  mysti- 
cism, occultism,  magnetism  and  a  scientific  understand- 
ing of  the  elements  and  substances  of  the  two  worlds, 
psychic  and  physical.  These  guides  were  made  up  of 
Egyptians,  Hindoos,  Chinese,  aboriginals  and  numerous 
Europeans.  Thus  prepared  for  all  emergencies,  my  gifted 
attendants  and  I  journeyed  earthwards.  In  due  time  we 
settled  ourselves  and  our  belongings  in  the  spiritual 
counterpart  of  the  home  of  General  Stanhope  in  Naples, 
Italy. 

The  forces  we  employed  among  others  during  our 
protracted  stay  in  the  psychic  part  of  Naples,  were  the 
electric,  magnetic  and  hypnotic;  marvellous  forces  these 
when  rightly  understood,  Austin ! 

The  apartments,  especially  General  Stanhope's  pri- 
vate suite  of  rooms,  were  carefully, — by  these  qualified 
spiritual  attendants,  —  magnetized  daily.  This  process 
was  often  employed  for  the  purpose  of  disintegrating 
atoms  of  matter  which  impeded  our  freedom  or  access 
to  other  parts  of  the  premises. 

Also  the  magnetic  force  was  very  useful  to  us  when 
we  required  to  raise  ponderable  bodies  or  remove  ob- 
stacles or  carry  hard  or  light  substances  around.  For 
instance,  pass  a  heavy  oak  dining  table  through  a  stone 
wall,  or  lift  it  from  the  floor, — tilt  and  drop  it  to  pro- 
duce noises,  or  simply  to  scatter  beautiful  flowers  upon< 
visitors, — pass  matter  through  matter, — you  know, — as 
the  scientifically  inclined  investigator  into  the  realms  of 
spiritual  phenomena  delights  so  much  to  quote. 

Now  for  practise  or  more  often  for  the  amusing  pur- 
pose of  mystifying  the  inmates  of  the  villa,  my  attend- 
ants would  remove  sundry  articles  of  wearing  apparel 
taken  from  a  lower  suite  of  rooms  to  a  higher,  or  vice 
versa.  And  to  an  assembly  of  guests. 

Introduce  Apports  in  the  shape  of  singing  birds,  in- 
sects, giant  moths,  lovely  butterflies,  bouquets  of  flowers, 


114       The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

Eastern  curios,  foreign  coins,  jewels,  etc.,  and  during 
their  exclamations  of  surprise,  bewilderment  or  conster- 
nation, make  the  whole  paraphernalia  invisible  to  their 
sight  for  a  few  seconds  or  entirely  disappear  from  view 
altogether. 

In  this  way  the  villa  got  a  rather  peculiar  reputa- 
tion. To  us,  these  preliminary  performances  clearly  dem- 
onstrated that  we  had  succeeded  in  producing  a  psychic 

Note:  (See  Scientific  Reports  of  Spiritual  Manifes- 
tations. ) 

atmosphere,  and  had  established  a  connecting  link  be- 
tween the  spiritual  and  physical  realms. 

All  this  was  very  necessary  to  the  furthering  of  my 
plans.  Now  our  combined  efforts  were  to  be  directed 
upon  individuals.  General  Stanhope  first,  of  course. 
Every  time  he  entered  his  sanctum  he  was  hypnotised 
by  one  of  us,  and  would  complain  to  himself  of  feeling 
so  unaccountably  "sleepy".  I  took  this  matter  fully  in 
hand  at  last  and  gradually  got  the  General  under  my 
complete  influence  and  control.  I  discovered  I  could 
induce  in  him  a  profound  trance-like  state  of  mind. 

Thus  I  had  access  to  General  Stanhope's  mental 
state.  I  was  enabled  to  review  his  secret  thoughts.  The 
mind  which  is  opaque  to  mortals  under  the  circumstances 
I  have  described  becomes  as  crystal,  —  I  diligently 
searched  the  archives  of  the  past.  I  found  what  I  re- 
quired, and  more,  I  read  tiny  tablets,  i.  e., — minute  rec- 
ords of  the  brain,  many  times  duplicated  and  docketed 
for  future  reference  at  his  Memory's  command, — I  had 
my  scribes  magnify  and  take  copies  of  such  as  I  required. 
I  could  disclose  many  secrets,  passions,  fears,  pure  and 
evil  desires,  for  without  impediment  the  General's  mind 
was  entirely  at  my  disposal.  I  knew  every  thought,  every 
action,  all  he  had  ever  done  or  contemplated  doing.  My 
what  I  could  reveal! 

"In  that  hour  of  triumph  I  could  have  entirely  al- 
tered his  future  career  by  strong  mental  suggestion  if  I 
had  so  desired.  I  am  not  posing  as  a  Saint,  Recording 
Angel,  Accuser,  or  Judge,  —  but  there  were  unlimited 
possibilities  within  my  grasp.  To  the  man  out  of  the 
body,  in  possession  of  sufficient  data  and  knowledge,  there 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet      tl5 

are  infinite  opportunities  and  possibilities,  believe  me, 
Austin ! 

I  am  simply  a  disseminator  of  facts  and  I  did  not 
interfere  with  one  possession  of  General  Stanhope's  mind 
more  than  was  necessary  for  the  preservation  of  the  good 
names  of  my  family  nad  myself.  I  merely  took  notes  of 
all  I  required. 

By  this  particular  method  of  reviewing  the  past, 
thoughts  and  actions  of  General  Stanhope  and  that  crit- 
ical period  of  him  and  my  career,  I  read  his  statements 
made  to  the  physician  who  had  been  hastily  summoned 
to  the  scene  of  events,  after  my  demise.  His  story  was 
a  pure  fabrication.  Also  his  sworn  testimony:  i.,  e., — 
the  account  given  to  the  coroner  and  jury  who  attended 
the  inquest  held  upon  my  body. 

Stanhope  falsely  stated  that  I  had  armed  myself 
with  a  keen  weapon  immediately  upon  realizing  that  he 
had  returned  intact  from  the  seat  of  war,  and  that  it 
was  entirely  due  to  his  own  skill  and  prowess  he  was 
enabled  to  overcome  my  villainous  attacks,  and  ran  me 
through  and  so  caused  my  death  in  self-defence. 

In  lieu  of  witnesses,  for  the  servants  had  not  seen 
the  act  of  violence  directed  against  me,  he  was  believed, 
especially  when  he  pleaded  I  had  already  presupposed 
him  dead  and  on  the  strength  of  a  supposed  rumor  had 
induced  his  young  wife  to  believe  my  statements  and 
inveigled  her  into  marriage. 

He  made  a  decided  impression  upon  the  minds  of  the 
susceptible  jury-men  by  the  pathetic  rehearsing  of  his 
dilemma.  How  he  had  returned  victorious  from  a  cruel 
war  to  discover  that  his  home  had  been  wrecked,  his 
wife  taken  from  him — and  from  shock  of  the  tragic  affair 
— passing  from  swoon  upon  swoon — Lady  Stanhope  had 
remained  in  an  unconscious  state  so  that  her  life  was 
now  despaired  of. 

To  be  brief,  the  verdict  was  death  by  '  misadventure/ 
the  jurymen  adding  a  rider.  That  my  demise  was  brought 
about  by  my  own  folly  and  guilty  knowledge ;  that  with- 
out proper  investigation  I  had  hastened  to  marry  his 
wife,  etc.,  etc. 

These  statements  were  made  in  authorized  docu- 
ments and  were  sent — much  to  her  dismay — to  my  sister 
in  Wales. 


116      The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

Incidently  I  realized  by  an  examination  of  mind  rec- 
ords that  General  Stanhope  intensely  loved  Valerie.  Still 
loved  her,  in  fact,  although  his  affecton  did  not  extend 
to  her  tiny  babe  when  it  was  born,  that  was  naturally 
on  my  account,  for  he  really  hated  me,  and  was  secretly 
delighted  he  had  robbed  me  of  my  existence,  as  he  fondly 
believed. 

Now  there  is  one  important  item  I  must  mention. 
There  had  been  one  eye-witness  to  the  scene  of  my  mur- 
der, and  that  was  the  General's  Soldier  valet,  Antonio 
Castello,  the  one  who  had  arrived  with  him  at  the  villa 
that  memorable  night.  He  had  hidden  when  bidden  with 
the  other  servants  to  depart  and  had  peeped  from  be- 
hind the  heavy  curtains  that  screened  the  hall  from  the 
stairway.  He  had  watched  the  whole  scene.  He  knew 
I  was  unarmed,  therefore  unable  to  defend  myself  at 
that  critical  moment,  but  the  fellow  Costello,  although 
a  Roman  Catholic,  was  not  a  good  one.  At  least  he 
did  not  regularly  attend  the  Confessional  Box  and  he 
readily  accepted  a  bribe  from  General  Stanhope  to  dis- 
appear just  before  the  inquest;  for  the  General,  accord- 
ing to  the  secret  records  I  now  read,  had  considered  it 
expedient  to  get  rid  of  this  man  for  fear  his  evidence 
would  be  damaging  to  his — Stanhope's — Sworn  Evidence. 
Like  all  such  policies  it  did  not  wear  well,  for  Castello 
was  a  disreputable  character,  drank  and  gambled  and 
annoyed  the  General  by  turning  up  at  intervals  and  de- 
manding more  money — blackmail,  really. 

I  mention  this  to  enlighten  you  as  to  the  fact  that  Gen- 
eral Stanhope  lived  somewhat  in  fear  of  revelations  and 
was  not  truly  happy.  I  came  to  this  conclusion,  that  not 
only  would  I  surprise  General  Stanhope  by  discovering 
myself  to  him  in  fully  materialized  form,  but  that  I  would 
speak  to  him  direct  and  make  my  spirit  voice  audible  to 
his  physical  senses.  After  a  lot  of  preliminary  work,  my 
attendants  and  I  perfected  a  wireless  apparatus  for  con- 
veying sounds  based  upon  the  practical  knowledge  of 
spiritual  and  mundane  acoustics.  By  practical  applica- 
tion we  obtained  evidence  that  our  schemes  had  suc- 
ceeded, for  by  practising  calls  upon  the  pages,  and  visit- 
ors, we  knew  we  had  been  heard.  It  was  really  amusing 
to  witness  the  results  of  a  sharp  query  or  the  call  of  a 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet       117 

name,  to  see  many  of  them  running  in  all  directions,  seek- 
ing the  caller  or  endeavoring  to  locate  the  sounds.  Now 
I  considered  the  time  ripe  for  a  seance.  So  at  a  prear- 
ranged period,  when  General  Stanhope  was  one  evening 
alone  in  his  study,  I  manifested  my  presence  in  an  un- 
mistakable fashion.  I  stood  visibly  before  him  quite  in 
my  old  style,  smiling  and  debonair,  and  attired  in  an 
elaborate  Court  dress,  perfect  in  detail  and  glittering 
with  jewels.  I  had  taken  the  precaution  to  well  anoint 
myself  with  a  sufficiency  of  luminosity.  Hence  I  stood 
out  in  bold  relief  from  the  dark  background  of  heavy 
plush  hangings,  with  which  the  apartment  was  adorned. 
I  congratulated  myself.  I  had  achieved  a  perfect  repro- 
duction of  my  old  self,  especially  when  I  saw  the  Gen- 
eral's perturbed  expression.  He  rubbed  his  eyes  in  a 
bewildered  fashion,  shook  himself  to  be  quite  sure  he 
was  not  dreaming,  then  he  became  alarmed,  half  rose 
from  his  chair  and  tried  to  speak,  but  his  tongue  clove 
to  the  roof  of  his  mouth.  No  words  could  he  utter  for 
an  appreciable  length  of  time;  he  trembled  with  doubt 
and  fear.  Here  was  the  man  he  had  thought  dead.  He 
had  killed,  in  fact,  alive !  Ha !  could  it  be  true  ?  A  den- 
izen of  another  world,  a  spirit  come  to  accuse  him,  and 
a  strong  spirit  at  that.  The  situation  was  fascinating 
and  most  dramatic.  I,  now  invisible,  sent  a  wireless  im- 
pression, awakened  his  thoughts  and  tried  to  impress 
him  with  the  idea  of  repentance,  reminded  him  by  trans- 
mission of  thought  that  there  was  such  a  thing  as  "Jus- 
tice. ' '  Aroused  his  religious  sentiments,  recalled  to  his 
mind  the  Commandment,  especially  the  Sixth, — "Thou 
shalt  not  kill,"  and  the  declaration  that  "Vengeance  is 
mine,  saith  the  Lord,"  etc. 

In  response  he  writhed  in  agony  of  soul;  he  recalled 
instantly  and  vividly  his  early  religious  teachings.  His 
mind  was  now  on  the  rack.  This  was  my  hour  of  triumph, 
it  was  his  turn  to  have  a  taste  of  Hell,  Austin. 

Suddenly  he  recovered  himself  sufficiently  to  find 
speech.  "By  heavens,  it  is  Sir.  Francis  Whynn,  the 
Devil!"  I  responded  politely  with  a  lowly  bow  and  my 
left  hand  covering  that  part  of  my  anatomy  known  as 
the  heart.  .  I  retorted,  in  a  clear  ringing  voice : 


US      The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

"Not  the  Devil,  General,  but  Frank  Whynn,  very 
much  at  your  service,  Sir. ' ' 

"My!  This  electrified  him:  he  would  much  rather 
have  received  a  visit  from  His  Satanic  Majesty  at  that 
precise  moment,  I  firmly  believe.  Quite  confident  he  was 
not  mistaken  now,  and  that  I  was  alive  and  speaking  to 
him  in  firm  and  clear  tones,  his  eyes  bulged,  his  hair 
moved,  and  he  stammered  incoherently,  and  then  col- 
lapsed and  cried  piteously  and  cringingly: 

"Why  do  you  come,  what  do  you  want?  Are  you 
spirit,  man  or  Devil  that  you  thus  affright  me  ?  Go  away, 
leave  me  alone  in  peace." 

I  replied  impressively :  1 1  General  Stanhope,  I  come 
to  remind  you  that  the  day  of  reckoning  is  at  hand," 
then  with  a  lowly  obeisance  vanished  from  his  sight; 

I  had  no  inclination  to  further  prolong  his  agony, 
for  I  realized  fully  I  had  left  his  mind  on  the  rack.  It 
is  a  cruel  position  even  for  an  enemy.  He  knew  now 
there  was  no  escape,  even  in  death,  and  he  would  live  in 
fear  of  a  future  state. 

When  we  went  for  our  next  interview,  it  was  under 
very  different  circumstances. 

This  was  some  time  after  General  Stanhope's  demise 
— and  he  had  been  entombed  with  all  the  pomp  and  cer- 
emony of  Militarism  befitting  his  rank;  he  had  now 
become  quite  comfortably  settled  in  his  spiritual  home — 
that  I  descended  into  his  sphere.  Marvel  not  I  say  l  de- 
scend', Austin!  There  are  numerous  states  of  being  in 
that  Holy  Summerland  where  Angels  dwell.  Each  goes 
to  his  own  particular  sphere  at  the  change  of  death, 
the  one  each  is  most  fitted  for. 

There  are  no  secrets  hidden  from  Angel's  gaze.  The 
pure  and  true  alone  are  permitted  to  enter  the  Courts 
of  Purity  and  Love.  From  these  exalted  states  one  may 
descend  into  the  lower  regions.  But  those  souls  dwelling 
in  these  places  of  unrest  may  not,  until  purified  of  all 
dross,  ascend  to  the  joys  above.  Therefore,  with  the 
twofold  purpose  of  enlightening  and  assisting  him  and 
receiving  redress,  I  approached  General  Stanhope.  But 
he  was  not  in  a  penitent  mood.  He  refused  spiritual 
assitance  and  received  my  request  for  reparation  with 
jeers,  and  coffing.  There  we  stood  face  to  face,  man  to 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet       U9 

man,  stripped  of  all  material  trappings,  as  men  on  equal 
terms  of  power  and  condition.  I  appealed  to  him  to  cease 
to  do  evil,  to  endeavor  to  undo  the  wrongs,  "Remove  or 
destroy  the  false  documents  now  resing  in  that  walnut 
cabinet  in  Westmoreland,  which  had  been  sent  to  my 
sister  Anne  in  Wales,"  I  pleaded. 

To  no  purpose, — without  a  moment's  hesitation  he 
refused.  "You  be  'damned,'  Whynn,"  he  rudely  ejac- 
ulated. "I'll  correct  nothing.  What  I  have  done  and 
said  shall  remain  forever.  Those  precious  documents  you 
are  so  deucedly  interested  in,  shall  remain  intact  in  the 
secret  drawer  until  such  time  one  of  your  descendants 
shall  discover  them  and  know  of  your  perfidy.  Thus 
your  real  character  shall  be  exposed  to  public  view.  I 
will  never  forgive  you,  never,  for  stealing  my  wife's  af- 
fections. Go!  I  refuse  your  request,  unless  you  imme- 
diately release  Valerie,  who  I  feel  confident  will  return 
to  me." 

I  did  not  attempt  to  leave  or  argue,  so  he  blustered 
on: 

"Don't  attempt  to  force  me;  I'll  not  be  compelled 
by  you.  Go!  or  fight  it  out  with  me."  I  bowed  and 
ejaculated : 

"As  you  please,  I  am  ready  for  action,  Stanhope. 

Thus  the  challenge,  and  matters  were  brought  to  a 
crisis.  The  battle  commenced  and  ultimately  the  con- 
flict was  of  necessity  transferred  to  the  earthly  sphere, 
I  to  get  the  coveted  papers,  he  to  try  to  prevent  my  ob- 
taining them. 

Mentally  you  ask,  Austin,  why  was  this  warfare 
necessary?  Especially  when  you  realize  as  I  do,  that  we 
shall  know  as  we  are  known  over  there  and  that  no 
blame  rested  upon  me.  I  was  exonerated  from  evil  in- 
tent by  spiritual  judges  as  well  as  my  own  conscience. 

Well,  to  explain,  I  am  naturally  chivalrous  where 
women  are  concerned,  and  the  only  rift  in  the  lute  to  my 
sister  Anne's  happiness,  also  my  beloved  parents'  satis- 
faction was  the  sorrowful  thought  that  the  once  revered 
name  of  'Whynn'  could  be  dragged  in  the  mire  and 
wrongfully  besmirched.  So  for  their  (my  own  dear 
ones')  sake,  as  well  as  my  own,  I  undertook  the  Hercu- 
lean task  of  compelling  restitution,  and  I  fought  the  good 
fight  to  the  finish. 


120      The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

As  you  may  well  imagine,  a  man's  nature  is  not  en- 
tirely transformed, — that  is,  he  does  not  become  a  pure 
angel  in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye  by  the  simple  method 
of  discarding  his  fleshy  body.  No!  Whatsoever  a  man 
thinketh,  that  shall  he  become!  is  a  truism  much  nearer 
the  mark  than  the  general  belief  that  death  hath  the 
power  to  make  sinners  into  Saints. 

General  Stanhope's  ideas  of  justice  and  mine  were 
at  variance.  So  perforce  warfare,  that  is,  there  was  a 
trial  of  will  power,  they  were  of  course  the  battling 
forces. 

Our  duelling  weapons  were,  deliberate  actions  and 
facts;  our  base,  and  mighty  fortresses  were  our  very  use- 
ful physical  mediums.  You  were  one  of  my  strongholds 
of  course,  Austin.  For  neither  he  nor  I  could  get  posses- 
sion of  those  precious  documents  without  the  physical 
aid  of  a  good  medium. 

In  the  eyes  of  justice,  Motive  plays  an  important 
part.  A  man  may  commit  a  crime  with  a  pure  motive, 
nevertheless,  he  will  be  called  upon  to  pay  the  full  pen- 
alty of  his  act,  but  goodness  and  mercy  will  support  and 
strengthen  him  to  make  full  reparation;  and  he  will  not 
in  angels'  eyes  be  accoutned  'guilty',  or  at  least  not  as 
much  so  as  the  man  who  deliberately  of  malice  and  afore- 
thought commits  depredations  and  evil  actions. 

I  often  congratulated  myself  that  I  had  done  noth- 
ing really  wicked;  I  had  to  acknowledge  to  myself  my 
intentions  had  been  honourable  all  the  way  through  my 
physical  career.  Nevertheless,  in  carefully  examining 
the  pros  and  cons  of  the  case, — my  trouble  with  General 
Stanhope, — I  had  to  confess  I  had  made  mistakes.  As  a 
matter  of  fact,  who  has  not? 

I  was  certainly  remiss  in  not  endeavouring  to  ascer- 
tain from  an  authorized  source  the  truth  or  otherwise,  of 
the  rumoured  demise  of  General  Stanhope.  I  had  ac- 
cepted without  question  the  message  delivered  at  the 
Villa,  in  a  dispatch  brought  by  a  courier  to  the  effect 
that  General  Stanhope  had  died  of  fatal  wounds  in  a 
Hospital  in  the  Old  Land. 

I  had  also  pressed  forward  hastily  to  obtain  the, 
precious  prize — the  fair  Valerie's  hand  in  marriage.  Her 
heart's  best  love  I  already  possessed.  This  then  was  "The 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet       121 

head  and  front  of  my  offending  no  more."  General  Stan- 
hope absolutely  refused  to  accept  my  statements,  especi- 
ally as  he  professed  to  believe  Valerie  would  return  to 
him  if  he  defeated  me.  Hence  the  opening  of  the  for- 
midable battle  to  prove  my  truth  and  compel  redress. 

At  this  particular  period  of  my  career  I  was  seeking 
for,  and  with  indifferent  results,  a  good  psychic  instru- 
ment, a  spiritual  minded  man,  a  very  necessary  aid  to 
a  spirit-man  as  you  well  know,  Austin. 

I  used  many  psychics  from  time  to  time  but  dicov- 
ered  each  one  most  unsatisfactory  for  my  purpose.  So 
many  difficulties  presented  themselves  in  this  respect 
that  I  lost  faith  a  little  in  my  own  ability  to  obtain  one. 
I  got  rather  weary  of  the  apparently  endless  task  of  pre- 
paratory stages  and  an  invariable  collapse.  I  would  find 
as  I  thought  the  '  *  Rara-Avis ",  a  spirit  medium  who  re- 
ally loved  his  work,  and  obeyed  spiritual  injunctions,  re- 
sponded readily  to  inspiration,  good  and  true  in  every 
way,  I  fondly  imagined.  To  catch  him  tripping  at  the 
very  first  small  temptation — alas,  for  good  intentions. 

Well,  as  I  was  saying,  I  kept  trying  and  gradually 
I  became  very  cosmopolitan  in  my  views,  and  could  easily 
associate  with  Tom,  Dick  or  Harry,  and  be  a  l '  hail  fellow 
well  met"  in  spirit  circles;  gaining  experience  by  object 
lessons,  arranged  by  ardent  enquirers,  etc.  "How  Psychic 
Mediums  are  obtained  and  used  in  such  gatherings."  It 
is  all  a  matter  of  blended  knowledge  and  experience.  I 
dis  covered  that  it  requires  prompt  action  and  tact.  Also 
a  goodly  amount  of  proper  persuasion. 

Then  I  had  the  good  fortune,  quite  unimown  to  your- 
self, to  meet  you,  Austin.  I  had  you  spiritually  mag- 
netized times  without  number  long  ere  I  made  you  ac- 
quainted with  myself.  I  naturally  encountered  many 
invisible  difficulties  before  I  could  get  you  into  a  proper 
state  of  mind. 

When  a  Spirit  being  requires  to  manifest  in 
a  material  way — that  is  demonstrates  his  power  and 
presence  to  anxious  mortals,  a  good  psychic  medium  is 
indispensable. 

To  obtain  a  perfect  Human  Instrument  I  had  often 
to  use  extreme  measures,  surprise  or  overpower  him.  It 
was  practically  by  knowledge,  force  and  the  liberal  use 


122      The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

of  mundane  material, — such  as  wealth,  position  and  fame. 

I  gained  your  co-operation  in  my  endeavors  to  ob- 
tain redress.  Eh  Austin!  My  quest  for  a  suitable  Me- 
dium was  not  mere  child's  play.  All  the  same,  some  of 
my  experiences  were  quite  amusing.  Other  times  the 
labour  became  irksome,  if  not  flat,  stale  and  unprofitable. 

My  searching  brought  me  in  touch  with  distinct 
phases  of  human  existence,  some  of  which  were  sad  in- 
deed. I  have  dwelt  in  celestial  eminence  in  "The  Sum- 
merland"  as  our  part  of  the  Spiritual  Realm  is  termed, — 
but  from  that  sphere  of  joy  and  brightness  and  bliss  I 
descended  into  the  physical  regions  of  mental  darkness, 
appalling  misery,  suffering  and  despair,  Hells  indeed! 
I  have  run  the  gamut  of  human  expereince  from  Heaven 
to  Hades,  I  firmly  believe,  Austin. 

Having  been  born  and  reared  in  the  lap  of  luxury 
with  the  proverbial  "silver  spoon",  it  was  a  great  sur- 
prise to  me  to  be  brought  so  directly  and  materially  in 
touch  with  poverty  in  its  worst  form,  and  to  realize  that 
myriads  of  fellow  creatures  were  suffering  untold  misery 
and  disease.  I  knew  by  the  sights  I  witnessed  that  num- 
berless souls  were  existing  in  hovels  without  sufficient 
food  or  the  common  necessities  of  life.  This  was  a  de- 
plorable state  of  affairs,  my  fullest  compassions  were 
aroused,  and  I  seriously  cogitated  how  I  could  possibly 
alleviate  some  of  the  awful  mundane  suffering.  I  sent 
forth  wireless  messages  of  fervent  prayer  and  true  de- 
sire, and  I  was  privileged  to  receive  responses  from 
Angels  of  light.  By-and-by  I  was  called  upon  to  co-op- 
erate with  a  host  of  ministering  spirits  who  had  also  left 
their  celestial  dwellings  to  assist  to  remedy  existing 
mundane  evils.  Their  greatest  endeavours  were  to  in- 
spire the  men  in  political  authority  to  legislate  justly 
for  the  redress  of  the  poor  and  needy. 

These  were  matters  of  vital  importance  and  nat- 
urally retarded  my  personal  affairs.  My  darling  wife 
and  child  were  my  constant  companions  during  these  ex- 
citing times.  All  through  I  had  protected  and  endeav- 
ored to  shield  them  from  such  terrible  knowledge.  My 
sweet  Valerie  emphatically  declared  that  a  true  wife 
should  be  by  her  husband's  side  to  cheer  and  sustain 
him  in  his  manifold  duties,  and  added. — "Frank.  T  want 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet       123 

to  be  a  real  helpmeet  to  you."  Hence  Valerie  and  Vir- 
ginia joined  me  in  my  spiritual  efforts. 

My  dear  ones  would  visit  the  prison  houses.  Their 
pure  presence,  like  very  sanctity,  would  illuminate  the 
four  walls  of  a  condemned  man's  cell,  altho'  his  physical 
sight  could  not  discern  them,  until  he,  poor  sinner  would 
unconsciously  respond  to  the  celestial  glory,  and  recall 
early  religious  precepts.  My  sweet  wife  and  tender  child 
would  not  relax  their  spiritual  efforts  for  signs  of  re- 
pentance until  such  time  they  acquired  sufficient  evi- 
dence of  the  poor  man's  desire  for  spiritual  mercy, 
strength  and  goodness.  Thus  in  a  much  more  penitent 
state  of  mind,  open  to  receive  the  shafts  of  spiritual 
truth  and  light, — he  prepared  for  his  coming  doom  to 
some  extent  regenerated. 

At  last  free  to  resume  my  own  particular  duties  I 
was,  as  before  stated,  quite  determined  to  secure  if  at 
all  possbile  an  efficient  spiritual  medium,  and  my  efforts 
in  this  quest  brought  me  in  personal  touch  with  a  num- 
ber of  spirit  people — dwellers  on  the  borderland. 

In  spiritualistic  circles  these  individuals  are  known 
as  "earth  bound  spirits"  and  they  are  as  numerous  as 
the  sands  of  the  sea,  and  also  they  endeavor  to  use  any 
medium  they  can  take  possession  of,  or  gain  an  influence 
over,  on  account  of  the  fact  that  they  are  more  often 
than  not  quite  content  to  remain  psychically  undevel- 
oped; their  soul's  interest  being  in  the  earth  realm. 
Their  passions  and  appetites  still  unappeased.  I  made 
the  acquaintance  of  one  in  particular,  whom  I  will  call 
"David."  Remember  these  earth  bound  spirits  are  not 
all  wicked,  no,  far  from  it. 

"David", — he  was  an  exceptionally  unselfish  being. 
Frequently  he  assisted  me  by  his  musical  ability, — he 
was  a  clever  musician,  and  could  manipulate  a  variety 
of  musical  instruments, — to  subdue  the  physical  vibra- 
tions in  my  self-imposed  seance  work. 

It  is  necessary  to  study  the  laws  of  correct  vibra- 
tion to  facilitate  perfect  full  form  manifestations;  thus 
I  was  enabled  to  give  demonstrations  of  spirit  power. 
And  the  spirit  child  "Primrose",  a  dusky  Indian  maid- 
en,— was  by  musical  vibration  empowered  to  fully  ma- 
terialize, de-materialize,  that  is,  appear  in  diaphanous 


124      The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

draped  personality;  then  gradually  disappear  before  the 
assemblies'  gaze,  until  only  a  small  portion  of  her  lum- 
inous drapery  was  visible  on  the  floor,  then  to  gradually 
regain  her  full  proportions.  This  very  interesting  and 
very  convincing  class  of  phenomena  required  very  fine 
conditions  and  true  vibrations;  music  of  heavenly  sweet- 
ness, so  to  speak;  and  ''David"  played  the  fairy  bells 
and  auto-harp  divinely! 

I  was  grateful  for  David's  assistance.  He  surprised 
me  one  time  by  remarking  abruptly  that  he  knew  a  very 
important  reason  why  I  was  not  very  successful  in  gain- 
ing the  full  confidence  of  physical  men,  those  that  I  re- 
quired as  instruments  for  my  special  spiritual  work.  In 
his  awn  words  I  will  relate  the  incident. 

"I  know  the  reason  why  you  cannot  impress  a  suit- 
able person  to  become  your  medium,"  he  said. 

"Tell  me  the  cause,  David,  and  if  it  lies  in  my 
power,"  etc. — 

"Yes,  Frank,  you  can  apply  a  remedy  I  know,  if  you 
will.  In  spite  of  your  ability  and  adroitness  you  never, 
owing  to  your  aristocratic  heredity  traits  of  birth  and 
breediing,  I  presume, — really  understand  mundane  require- 
ments. If  a  man  is  struggling  with  inadequate  monetary 
means,  it  is  utterly  impossible  for  that  individual  to  give 
proper  time  and  attention  to  the  development  of  his  spirit- 
ual gifts.  Your  true  medium  is  proverbially  poor.  Hence 
it  is  spondulicks  he  requires." 

"What  did  you  say  he  required?"  I  faltered, — 

"Spondulicks,"  was  the  amazing  reply. 

"Heavens,  man!  What  fell  malady  may  that  be?"  I 
interrogated.  Without  attempting  to  reply  to  my  query, 
David  continued: 

' '  I  can  tell  you  exactly  where  you  can  obtain  the  goods 
to  alter  conditions  if  you  will  accept  them." 

' 1 1  pray  thee  f urthen  enlighten  me,  David, ' '  I  pleaded, 
quite  bewildered,  yet  amused  by  his  earnestness. 

"I  certainly  will,"  he  quickly  answered.  "It's  small 
use  preaching  spiritual  advancement  to  a  hungry  man; 
first  feed  him,  and  when  he  feels  secure  from  pecuniary 
needs,  he  will  willingly  respond  to  spiritual  teachings." 

" Impecuniosity  is  the  trouble,  and  a  very  embarrass- 
ing difficulty  I  should  say,"  I  retorted  in  relieved  tones 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet      125 

"Call  it  what  you  will,''  sai  dDavid.  "I  believe  I 
have  the  key  to  the  situation,  which  is  in  the  shape  of  hid- 
den treasures, — two  bags  of  yellow  gold  coins.  How  does 
that  strike  you  ? ' ' 

"To  whom  does  this  treasure  belong?"  I  doubtfully 
inquired. 

"To  me  as  a  direct  descendant  of  a  bold,  bad  bucca- 
neer, a  regular  cut-throat  pirate,  who  made  it  his  business 
to  kill  men,  scuttle  ships  and  steal  all  he  could  lay  his 
hands  on,  and  when  the  vessel  was  moored  safely  in  harbour, 
he  would  come  ashore  and  hide  and  spend  his  ill-gotten 
gains  in  drinking,  gambling,  or  worse.  He  was  as  dextrous 
with  a  chisel  and  hammer  as  he  was  with  a  cutlass.  He 
took  pains  to  make  stone  plugs  to  fit  the  excavations  he 
made  in  numerous  massive  stone  chimneys  in  Inns, — where 
he  resided  from  time  to  time, — there  he  hid  bags  of  yellow 
coin.  I  know  where  there  are  two  bags  of  coins  still  intact. 
If  you  will  take  the  trouble  to  use  it.  It  rests  snugly  in  a 
secret  hiding  place  in  the  commodious  flue  in  the  Roebuck 
Inn,  Wales." 

"Well,  I  must  say,  David,  this  information  is  very 
interesting,  and  gold  may  be  the  remedy  for  penury,  but 
I  fail  to  see  how  the  vagaries  and  crimes  of  your  very  free 
lance,  too  free,  progenitor  and  his  predilections  for  hoard- 
ing gold  coin, — can  possibly  effect  me  or  assist  me  in  my 
endeavours  to  obtain  a  reliable  medium.  I  want  a  con- 
scientious Being,  not  one  gold  will  buy,  David,"  I  averred. 

"Ah!  That's  the  crux!  You  are  quite  mistaken  if 
you  imagine  coin  of  the  realm,  money,  has  no  influence.  An 
object  lesson  in  the  shape  of  two  bags  of  gold  would  impress 
a  physical  man  more  thoroughly  than  a  thousand  tongues 
that  you  possessed  reliable  supernormal  powers,  and  had 
real  intentions  towards  his  worldly  advancement.  You  en- 
deavour to  impress  your  desired  mediums  that  you  will 
materially  benefit  them,  don't  you?" 

"Yes!  Spoken  like  a  philosopher,  David;  I  realise 
what  you  say.  There  may  be  great  advantage  in  material 
wealth  and  I  will  accept  your  offer  in  the  spirit  in  which  it 
is  meant.  Let  us  go  and  investigate  the  treasure.  Lead 
on,  my  friend,  lead  on!" 

Unseen  by  mortals,  together  we  journeyed  to  the  old- 
fashioned  village  of  Brecon,  Wales,  and  reached  the  Roe- 


126      The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

buck  Inn,  thoroughly  examined  exterior  and  interior  of 
premises,  discussed  possibilities,  and  there  and  then  de- 
cided upon  the  best  methods  to  employ  to  accomplish  our 
purpose.  Needless  to  remind  you  of  the  impression  made 
upon  your  mind  at  our  first  and  subsequent  interviews,  and 
the  discovery  of  the  bags  of  gold,  Austin. 

There  is,  however,  one  matter  of  importance  I  have 
omitted, — the  return  of  those  valued  documents  that  were 
stolen  and  so  mysteriously  reappeared  at  the  home  of  Lord 
Templeton.  I  sent  them  there  and  you  must  at  some  time 
read  them. 

I  felt  determined  to  leave  no  stone  unturned  to  ac- 
complish my  purpose,  after  the  transferrance  of  the  docu- 
ments to  your  home  at  "Austinlea."  This  accounts  for 
my  enforced  absence,  my  personal  affairs  kept  me  busy. 

I  instructed  my  spirit  scribes  who  invisibly  arrived 
at  your  Homestead  in  due  course,  and  used  your  escritoire 
for  the  purpose  of  erasing  all  objectionable  matter  and 
insertiing  by  clever  imitation  of  original  handwriting,  the 
truth,  with  especial  reference  to  the  facts  of  my  untimely 
demise.  When  finished  the  papers  were  carried  to  their 
original  resting  place,  through  space,  by  my  magnetizers, 
the  Hindoos.  The  methods  of  transference  exactly  the 
same  as  used  for  the  transmission  of  sounds  and  conveying 
of  apports, — rehabilitated  yet  invisible  the  spirit-men  with 
psychic  electric  appliances  travel  through  either  physical 
matter  or  invisible  ethereal  space. 

By  this  bold  stroke  of  diplomacy  I  decided  there  was 
a  good  chance  of  posterity  being  enlightened,  and  if  any 
more  of  my  descendants  had  heard  legends  regarding  my 
case,  in  the  face  of  tabulated  facts  in  documentary  form, 
those  false  stories  would  quickly  be  relegated  to  the  scrap 
pile  of  discarded  myths.  As  you  know,  Lord  Templeton 
received  the  revised  historical  papers,  and  my  earthly  work 
was  accomplished. 

There  are  a  few  things  regarding  the  ethereal  exist- 
ence I  may  mention  that  might  interest  you,  Austin,  then 
I  close.  There  are  spheres  upon  spheres;  realms  of  inter- 
ests and  activity  over  there. 

The  spiritual  form  of  Government  is  quite  superior 
to  the  mundane.  The  unseen  authorities  invariably  mete 
out  truth  and  justice.  These  laws  are  immutable  and  Man- 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet       127 

kind  after  death,  gradually  learns  to  obey  them.  They 
recognize  the  wisdom  of  so  doing. 

I  have  heard  it  said  that  we  get  our  deserts  on  the 
other  side  of  life, — pain, — pleasure, — rewards  or  punish- 
ment are  relative  terms ;  our  Souls  do  not  go  to  Heaven  or 
Hell.  What  we  sow,  we  reap;  personal  responsibility  is 
the  keynote  of  salvation.  In  the  course  of  time,  the  fruits 
of  our  endeavours  reward  us,  or  the  mental  pain,  the  re- 
sults, of  wrong  actions,  remorse,  afflict  us.  But  puissant 
life  with  all  its  attributes  is  a  Divine  gift  to  Mankind.  That 
is  rebirth  comes  to  each  one  of  us  as  a  heritage ;  every  soul 
is  treated  alike.  There  are  no  favourites,  God  is  no  re- 
specter of  persons.  Therefore,  it  is  easy  to  conjecture  that 
"the  Kingdom  of  God  is  within  us"  or  that  we  are  Gods 
in  embryo,  and  must  develop  our  selfhood.  Man  cannot 
get  anything  for  nothing.  He  pays  an  equivalent  every 
time. 

There  are  great  possibilities,  and  nothing  to  fear, — 
by  knowledge,  everything  to  gain,  after  the  death  of  the 
physical  organism.  In  fact  transition  is  a  mere  incident 
in  man's  marvellous  career.  There  are  numerous  rebirths 
and  other  worlds  to  conquer  in  man  towards  perfection's 
upward  march. 

A  sane,  healthy  man  dislikes  the  idea  of  being  trans- 
formed into  an  angel  with  wing  appendages.  There  is  no 
danger  of  such  a  catastrophe ;  a  man  cannot  lose  his  man- 
hood by  passing  out  of  his  fleshly  body.  He  is  re-born 
with  a  more  perfect  shape.  There  are  no  defects  in  his 
spiritual  counterpart.  Whatever  there  may  have  been  in 
his  physical  body  he  realizes  quickly  or  slowly  as  the  case 
may  be,  that  he  is  perfectly  shaped,  free,  capable,  con- 
scious, and  powerfully  equipped;  if  he  uses  his  intelli- 
gence rightfully  he  discovers  myriads  of  potent  possibili- 
ties. He  may  become  a  ruler,  monarch  of  a  mighty  realm, 
the  world  within  himself.  He  may  become  a  creator ;  there 
is  no  lack  of  spiritual  material.  He  may  profit  by  past 
experience ;  all  the  knowledge  he  has  gained  on  earth  is  of 
service  to  him  in  the  ethereal  realm.  And  those  hard  les- 
sons he  learned,  the  wisdom  he  so  laboriously  acquired  in 
his  first  conscious  stage  of  existence, — his  physical  life, — 
are  invaluable  assets  to  his  spiritual  advancement,  for 


)2S      The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  Baronet 

there  are  positions  to  be  filled  and  duties  to  be  performed 
in  spirit  life. 

All  knowledge  rightly  used  gives  man  immense  power, 
and  this  is  especially  true,  if  during  his  fleshly  tenure  he 
has  taken  the  pains  to  awaken  and  develop  his  intuitional 
aspirations  and  inspirational  faculties.  And  Humanity 
see  God  today  as  much  as  they  will  a  thousand  years  hence. 
God  is  within  himself. 

Spiritual  phenomena  give  man  a  greater  insight  into 
his  present  and  future  state  than  anything  I  know.  Life 
is  an  eternal  sequence.  Here  in  the  mundane  sphere  man 
lays  his  foundation  for  his  future  state.  Therefore,  it  is 
necessary  to  build  character,  good,  true,  firm  and  strong; 
the  rest  is  easy. 

"Are  the  spiritual  realms  substantial?"  you  mentally 
inquire.  Of  a  surety  they  are.  Into  a  world  of  realities 
just  outside  the  physical  world, — at  death, — all  Mankind, 
in  common  with  all  living  creatures,  all  forms  of  life,  enter 
into  this  real  world,  exactly  as  the  butterfly  leaving  the 
shattered  chrysalis  enters  its  new  realm,  or  the  chicken 
bursting  forth  from  the  egg,  the  bud  into  blossom.  The 
spirit  world  is  quite  close  to  you,  Austin ;  to  enter  it  fully 
yo  umust  burst  your  fleshly  bonds.  I  may  add  that  growth, 
unfoldment,  development  is  a  necessity;  for  instance,  in- 
fants grow  to  maturity  in  spirit  life. 

I  have  poured  out  my  innermost  soul  to  you,  so  think 
well  over  all  I  have  said  and  form  your  own  conclusions, 
Austin. 

I  have  now  fulfilled  my  earthly  mission.  We  must 
separate  for  a  period, — separate  to  meet  again  when  your 
time  comes  to  enter  the  spirit  world.  Reluctantly  I  bid 
you  adieu!  for  you  I  know  will  miss  me,  and  to  me  you 
have  been  a  faithful  friend  and  willing  instrument.  Do 
not  grieve  too  deeply  for  my  absence,  (I  read  your  un- 
spoken thought)  I  shall  be  near  you  in  spirit,  be  assured 
of  that.  Evil  cannot  change  truth.  You  have  been  true 
to  yourself,  to  me,  and  all  others  you  have  been  in  contact 
with.  You  will  be  remembered  and  revered  for  your  spir- 
itual truth  and  actions  as  a  spirit  medium.  By  angels  you 
will  be  blessed,  and  when  the  time  arrives  for  your  de- 
parture from  earthly  cares,  you  will  receive  a  warm  wel- 


The  Ghost  of  Sir  Francis  Whyim,  Baronet 

come, — from  your  loved  ones  gone  before  and  your  true 
friends. 

"I  shall  be  awaiting  you,  Austin,  and  shall  endeavour 
to  be  the  first  to  clasp  your  hand  as  you  enter  the  spirit 
life  and  give  you  welcome.  You  have  my  gratitude  and 
truest  blessings. 

Au  Revoir." 

With  a  characteristic  wave  of  his  hand  and  a  tender 
smile  illuminated  his  countenance  as  he  slowly  disappeared, 
faded  out,  as  it  were. 

So  ended  the  presence  of  Sir  Francis  Whynn,  my 
spiritual  instructor  and  benefactor.  The  memory  of  that 
true-hearted,  noble-minded  man  will  permanently  remain 
with  me.  He  came  mysteriously.  He  saw.  He  conquered 
my  mentality  and  affections ;  and  although  I  shall  miss  his 
charming  presence,  as  one  who  has  been  suddenly  bereaved, 
I  will  not  mourn  his  absence  (it  would  not  be  fair  to  him 
I  so  deeply  revere,)  for  I  know  he  has  entered  into  his 
"Perfect  Day"  and  my  best  thoughts  and  fervent  prayers 
are  for  his  spiritual  welfare  and  happiness. 

Finis. 


YB  74308 


497660 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


